Could Rocco Baldelli be Seattle’s next skipper? The Mariners have been scouting fresh leadership since dismissing Dan Wilson after a dismal campaign. They’ve cleared a path to interview former Astros boss Joe Espada, yet another veteran—Dodgers aide and ex‑Twins manager Rocco Baldelli—has also captured their interest, Jon Heyman reports.
Transitioning from a seven‑year outfield stint (2003‑10), Baldelli entered coaching in 2012. He climbed the Rays’ ladder, serving in several roles, and emerged as a managerial prospect by 2018. That fall saw the Twins, Reds and Angels sit down with him, and Minnesota ultimately appointed him to replace the ousted Paul Molitor.
During his first two seasons, the Twins captured the AL Central, even navigating the pandemic‑shortened 2020 slate, and Baldelli earned AL Manager of the Year honors as a rookie. Yet postseason success eluded Minnesota; the Yankees swept them in the 2019 ALDS and the Astros did the same in the 2020 Wild Card. A 2023 Wild Card sweep of Toronto revived hopes, but the Astros halted them in the ALDS.
After a 70‑92 campaign, the Twins pulled the plug on Baldelli last September. The move was compounded by a July 31 fire sale that shipped third‑baseman/shortstop Carlos Correa and pitchers Jhoan Duran, Louis Varland and Griffin Jax. Already six games under .500, Seattle plummeted to a 19‑35 finish, denting Baldelli’s record though he still closed above .500 (527‑505) with three division crowns.
Eager to return, Baldelli voiced his desire to manage soon after Minnesota’s decision. The Nationals gave him a look but settled on Blake Butera. That opened the door to Los Angeles, where he already knew baseball‑operations chief Andrew Friedman from their Tampa Bay days.
Now the Dodgers’ season ends after the Brewers’ NLCS sweep, and Baldelli’s managerial itch could steer him toward Seattle. Jerry Dipoto, who hired Scott Servais and Dan Wilson, is reportedly hunting for a seasoned leader. With 1,043 games coached, the 45‑year‑old fits the bill. In my view, Baldelli is a solid bet for Seattle. Will the Mariners make the hire before next season?