The Seattle Mariners are making major changes to their coaching staff heading into 2027, a day after the end of a disheartening and disappointing season.
The Seattle Mariners are making major changes to their coaching staff heading into 2027, a day after the end of a disheartening and disappointing season that began with lofty expectations.
The Mariners announced that four coaches will not return, in addition to Sunday's statement that manager Dan Wilson will no longer lead the team.
Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto and General Manager Justin Hollander said Bench Coach Manny Acta, Infield Coach Perry Hill, Hitting Coach Kevin Seitzer, and First Base Coach Eric Young Jr. will not be back with the club in 2027.
“I will always have the utmost respect and appreciation for these men, each of whom made meaningful contributions to our team,” Dipoto said. “After much reflection, we have determined that significant changes are required as we look toward 2027 and beyond.”
Acta spent 11 seasons on the Mariners’ major league staff. He served as third base coach in two separate stints from 2016-17 and 2020-24, and as bench coach in two stints from 2018-19 and 2025-26.
Hill spent eight seasons on the Mariners’ major league staff, serving as first base/infield coach from 2019-21 before transitioning to infield coach from 2022-26. Under Hill’s tutelage, shortstop J.P. Crawford (2020), first baseman Evan White (2020) and utility player Dylan Moore (2024) won Gold Glove Awards.
Seitzer spent two seasons, 2025-26, on the Mariners staff as hitting coach. The former big-league All-Star previously served as hitting coach for the Atlanta Braves for 10 seasons from 2015-24.
Young Jr. spent two seasons, 2025-26, on the Mariners’ big-league staff as first base coach after serving as the organization’s baserunning coordinator during 2024.
The announcement comes just a day after the Mariners confirmed field manager Dan Wilson would not return to the role for next year's season.
Dipoto announced the decision on Sunday, saying it came after conversations this week.
“Collectively we failed to meet our own expectations this season,” Dipoto said. “Dan and I both care deeply about this organization, these players, and the future of the Mariners. After much discussion, it was concluded that a new direction is best for 2027 and beyond.”
The 2025-2926 season that began with championship expectations for the Seattle Mariners ended with historic highs and lows — and ultimately, a disappointing finish.
On Aug. 18, the Mariners suffered their worst loss in franchise history, falling 22-0 to the Milwaukee Brewers. The defeat also ensured Seattle would not improve on its 90-72 record from the previous season.
Less than a month later, the Mariners delivered a franchise-best margin of victory. On Sept. 12, Seattle beat the Oakland Athletics 19-1.
But the season continued to slide. On Sept. 15, the Mariners lost their 82nd game, clinching their first losing season since 2020 and their first in a full season since 2019.
On Sept. 24, the Mariners were officially eliminated from playoff contention. With expectations of competing for the franchise’s first championship, both the media and fanbase largely considered the season a disappointment.
