Overview
- Rocco Baldelli removed his name from Seattle’s managerial search on Monday, citing family considerations and ending speculation that he was the club’s preferred hire.
- With Baldelli out, the only publicly identified candidates are former Astros manager Joe Espada and Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler.
- Mariners president Jerry Dipoto has signaled a preference for an experienced major-league manager, a stance that appears to boost Espada’s standing in the process.
- Baldelli spent the past year as a special assistant with the Dodgers and has three children under age five, which reporting says helped drive his choice to step back.
- Seattle had hoped to complete a hire quickly but Baldelli’s exit could force a pivot, open consideration of undisclosed candidates, or lead to a longer search that may change the club’s staffing plans.