Mariners Fire Dan Wilson as Manager After Disappointing 2026 Season

The Seattle Mariners announced on Sunday, September 28, 2026, that manager Dan Wilson will not return in 2027. Wilson took over during the 2024 season and guided the team to within one game of the World Series last year. However, a sharp decline in performance during the 2026 regular season saw the Mariners finish below .500.

A primary factor in the team's struggles was a diminished offense. Cal Raleigh, who was the runner-up for AL MVP in 2025 after hitting 60 home runs, saw his numbers drop significantly in 2026. He recorded only 23 home runs and a .177 batting average over 125 games, partly due to an oblique injury.

President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto issued a statement acknowledging shared responsibility for the team's unmet expectations. He indicated that discussions with Wilson led to the conclusion that a "new direction" is necessary for 2027 and beyond. This move comes as a surprise given Wilson's past success and goodwill.

Despite the team returning its core players and adding promising prospects from their farm system, the results in 2026 did not materialize. The article suggests Wilson is being made a scapegoat for the team's overall shortcomings, as the players on the field did not perform as expected. The Mariners will now search for a new leader for their young and talented roster.