Mariners may hire new manager away from division rival

The Seattle Mariners need a new manager, and they may take the unusual step of hiring one directly away from an AL West rival.

The Mariners plan to meet with Houston Astros manager Joe Espada regarding their managerial vacancy, according to Mark Feinsand, Daniel Kramer, and Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Espada is still employed by the Astros, but the team granted the Mariners permission to meet with him.

Espada’s contract with the Astros is set to expire at the end of the season. The team has not made any public indication of whether they plan to bring him back or not.

The Mariners are making wholesale changes following a hugely disappointing 2026 season that saw them go just 76-86. In addition to letting former manager Dan Wilson go, they are overhauling their coaching staff. Some big names from their roster are expected to move on as well.

Espada was Dusty Baker’s successor as Astros manager, and has largely overseen a team stuck in a transitional period. He is 256-229 overall with two AL West titles to his name during his three-year tenure.