Insider reports potential Mariners’ manager hire timeline

Only a few names have emerged in recent weeks as managerial candidates the Seattle Mariners have interest in. However, the club is hoping to make a hire soon, according to an MLB insider.

Mariners reportedly interested in former Twins manager

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, a former MLB general manager, reported on social media Monday afternoon that while the Mariners “stay under the radar” in their manager search, they are “making progress” and hoping to get their finalists chosen by mid-to-late next week and to finish the hiring process by the end of October.

If the Mariners were to make a managerial hire by the end of the month, it would closely line up with when the MLB offseason will start. The offseason begins the day after the World Series ends, meaning the offseason could begin as soon as Oct. 28 or as late as Nov. 1.

It was reported by MLB.com last week that Seattle was set to interview former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada for its vacant managerial job. MLB insider Jon Heyman also reported last week the club has interest in former Minnesota Twins manager and current Los Angeles Dodgers special assistant to president of baseball operations Rocco Baldelli. Additionally, ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported former New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was a candidate for the job, but he pulled his name from consideration to become the third base and infield coach of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto told media after the team’s season ended last month that the club was planning to cast a wide net and look outside the organization in its managerial search, and that it preferred to hire a manager with previous experience, though the it would not be a requirement.

While not reported specifically as names the Mariners have interest in or have interviewed, former Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde and ex-Chicago Cubs manager David Ross are among other potential candidates who would fit the stated parameters of Seattle’s search for Dan Wilson’s replacement.

The Mariners finished in third place in the American League West this past season with a 76-86 record, their first losing year in a full season since 2019.

Seattle Mariners news and more

• Morosi: M’s in favorable position for manager search
• Seattle Mariners 2B Cole Young named AL Gold Glove finalist
• Drayer: Why Espada is interesting candidate in Mariners’ manager search

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