Los Angeles Dodgers executive Rocco Baldelli is a frontrunner for the managerial jobs opened by the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners this offseason.
The Mariners relieved manager Dan Wilson of his managerial duties following the close of the 2026 season, as did the Astros with manager Joe Espada. With Baldelli’s managerial experience, it’s only natural the 45-year-old is drawing attention from the rest of the league.
What Qualifies Rocco Baldelli to be a Manager?
Baldelli, who played in the majors from 2003-2010 with the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox, got his start in managing in 2019, when he took over the Minnesota Twins nearly a decade after his playing career ended. He won 101 games in his first season as a manager with the Twins, earning the AL Manager of the Year award, though his team lost in the first round of the postseason without winning a game.
He won his first postseason game with the team in 2023, snapping an 18-game losing streak in the postseason. After that, though Baldelli failed to get his team into the postseason.
He remained with the team through the 2025 season, finishing his time as the manager with 527 wins to 505 losses. The Twins finished 2025 with a 70-92 record in 2025, leading to Baldelli’s dismissal.
After the Twins fired Baldelli, the Dodgers signed him on as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, with whom he formed a professional relationship while playing for the Rays.
Are the Astros and Mariners the Only 2 Teams After Baldelli?
The Astros and Mariners are the only two teams reported to be in on Baldelli, but a third team could enter the mix shortly after letting go of their manager.
The Los Angeles Angels declined to pick up manager Kurt Suzuki’s option for the 2027 season on Wednesday, opening up a spot as the team’s manager for the second time in as many years. The Angels are sure to give Baldelli a look, especially given his proximity to the team.
Baldelli, a proven manager, will definitely draw the eyes of teams across the league, managerial opening or not, so the Dodgers may have trouble holding on to him beyond the 2026 season.