Seattle’s search is reportedly in its final phase, according to Rosenthal, Chandler Rome and Patrick Mooney. If Baldelli was the frontrunner, the club may have to scramble for a backup plan. Dan Wilson announced before the last game that he won’t return in 2027, meaning the hunt has been active for nearly a month. Could this delay the season‑opening timetable?
Jerry Dipoto, the club’s president of baseball operations, said he prefers a veteran manager over a rookie like Wilson or Scott Servais. Besides Baldelli and Espada, the Mariners had eyed Diamondbacks boss Torey Lovullo before Arizona re‑signed him, and Guardians skipper Stephen Vogt made it clear he’ll stay in Cleveland.
If Dipoto still values experience, Espada might edge out Kanzler. I think the M’s could end up hiring both – Espada as manager and Kanzler as bench coach or another role. Kanzler spent five years in Houston’s system, the last two alongside Espada on the Astros staff before joining the Cubs. Still, Seattle’s low‑key approach leaves room for surprise candidates.
Baldelli guided the Twins to three AL Central crowns and a 527‑505 record over seven years, including a two‑game sweep of Toronto in the 2023 Wild Card Series. A September slump knocked the Twins out of the 2024 playoffs, and they fell to 70‑92 in 2025. The front office then executed a fire‑sale at the trade deadline, and Baldelli was dismissed after the season.
After his firing, Baldelli said he still wants to manage and didn’t rule out a 2026 return, but he added, “I owe my family a little time.” That likely led him to accept an assistant role with the Dodgers. The Nationals and Angels reportedly considered him for their openings last off‑season, though it’s unclear if he interviewed. Will we see Baldelli back in a big‑league dugout next year?