Popular Seattle Mariners Managerial Candidate Pulls Out of Job Search

The Seattle Mariners' managerial search now has one less candidate.The Athletic's MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported in a post on "X" on Sunday that former Minnesota Twins skipper and current Los Angeles Dodgers special assistant to the president of baseball operations Rocco Baldelli had pulled out of the Mariners' manager job.According to Rosenthal's report, Baldelli pulled out of consideration due to "family considerations."Baldelli is the second potential candidate who has been reported to have pulled out of the job. Former New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza also pulled out to take the third base coaching job with the Philadelphia Phillies.About BaldelliBaldelli served as skipper of the Twins for seven seasons from 2019-2025. During that stretch, he guided Minnesota to three American League Central titles and three playoff appearances. He was named the American League Manager of the Year in '19 after the Twins posted a 101-61 overall record.Baldelli was fired after a 70-92 campaign in the '25 season and was hired to his current role with the Dodgers, who were eliminated in this year's National League Championship Seires by the Milwaukee Brewers.Who's left in the search?There have been few candidates that have been publicly mentioned as part of the search. Several of the options have included former managers. M's president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said a skipper with prior managerial experience wasn't a prerequisite, but preferred.Former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada has been reported as a candidate. He served as skipper of Seattle's archrivals from 2024-26, and led the Astros to American League West titles in '24 and '26. He was granted permission from Houston to interview for the job before being formally dismissed a day later.Former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada looks on during a Wild Card series game against the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 30 at Daikin Park in Houston. | Troy Taormina/Imagn ImagesAnother former Astros coach, current Chicago Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler, has been reported as a serious candidate for the managerial job. He served as the hitting coach of the Astros in '22 when they last won the World Series.MLB insider Jon Morosi previously reported in a recent appearance on Seattle Sports radio that former Baltimore Orioles manager and current Tampa Bay Rays senior advisor to baseball operations Brandon Hyde was "somewhere part of the process." There's been no reports since on whether Hyde has advanced in interviews or if the process with him ended at inquiry stages.Hyde managed the Orioles from 2019-25. He was fired during the '25 season 43 games into the campaign. He led Baltimore to two playoff appearances in '23-24 and won the AL East title in '23. He was named the AL Manager of The Year the season the O's won the division title.When will the Mariners make a manager hire?It's been reported by multiple outlets that the Mariners hope to make a managerial hire by Halloween (Oct. 31). According to a report from MLB insider Jim Bowden, Seattle will be looking to finalize a list of candidates by the middle or late this week.