SEATTLE — The Mariners are making a significant change amid a recent skid, as the team is moving on from manager Scott Servais, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal first reported Thursday morning citing league sources.
The team confirmed the decision Thursday afternoon.
Servais said in a statement Thursday that managing the Mariners was one of the "greatest honors" of his career.
"It has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and my family and I are grateful for the shared experiences along the way," Servais said. "To the tremendous people whom I have had the privilege to work alongside every day – players, coaching staff, support staff, ballpark employees, media, and all who had a hand in this journey – thank you. Together, we ended a 21-year postseason drought and just days ago, held first place in a fiercely competitive division. To the players, you’ve been the core of this journey. The energy and competitiveness on the field matched the camaraderie and bond we shared in the locker room. Nothing has been more rewarding than watching you grow and bring your all to the game. I know that this team has a bright future ahead.
"To the Mariners’ ownership, I appreciate the opportunity to lead our team for the last nine seasons and bring a winning culture back to the Pacific Northwest. To the fans, you are the soul of this organization. Your support has driven us to push harder, fight longer, and never back down. The return of postseason baseball to Seattle was a moment we shared together, and I am confident that your commitment to this team will continue to push them forward. To the city of Seattle, you embraced my family and me and we are forever grateful for your support. As this chapter closes, I leave with pride in what we’ve accomplished together and excitement for what the future holds. Thank you, Seattle."
Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said Mariners Hall of Famer Dan Wilson will take over as manager "moving forward."
In addition to firing Servais, the Mariners fired hitting coach Jarret DeHart.
During a press conference, Dipoto called the past few months "difficult" and said that the team needs change. He said expectations are not being met; that goes for players and staff.
“We believe that we need a new voice in the clubhouse,” Dipoto said, adding that Wilson knows the team and has been part of the organization for the past 11 years. “I do want to thank Scott for all his efforts here in Seattle over the past nine seasons. He has poured his passion into the team and our community and I know I speak for the entire Mariners organization in thanking him for has hard work.”
The team was out to a 10-game lead in the American League West earlier this season but has fallen back to five games behind the Houston Astros after two consecutive months with a losing record. Since June 18, the Mariners are 20-33. The team is coming off a 1-8 road trip culminating in a series sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dipoto said it's "hard to believe" where the team is now compared to earlier in the season.
The Mariners are 680-642 since Servais took over in 2016 and made one postseason appearance in 2022.
Hopes were high in Seattle after the team snapped its postseason drought in 2022, but the team fell short of the playoffs in 2023 and is in danger of doing so again in 2024.
Fans have been frustrated as the team's offense has been unable to back up its pitching in many games. Seattle has the best earned-run average in MLB, yet also leads the league in strikeouts on offense and has a league-low .216 batting average.
Wilson has no formal coaching experience at the major league level but has helped out the team's staff at past training camps and filled in as a broadcaster for the team. Wilson was inducted into the Mariners' Hall of Fame in 2012.
The Mariners return to action Friday at T-Mobile Park against the San Francisco Giants for a three-game series.
Kipp Robertson contributed to this story.