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Cole Young wins first career Gold Glove at second base
Cole Young clinches his first Rawlings Gold Glove at second base, marking the Seattle Mariners' 45th team award and the franchise's first at the position since Brett Boone in 2004. The 22‑year‑old outpaced White Sox’s Chase Meidroth and Royals’ Michael Massey, leading AL second basemen with 16 Defensive Runs Saved and posting a .990 fielding percentage, the third‑best in Mariners history. Young appeared in a career‑high 160 games, anchoring an otherwise shaky infield. His win makes him only the third Mariner ever to earn a Gold Glove at second base and the second under‑22 recipient, joining Ken Griffey Jr. in that elite company.
Caption’s LLog: Sunday Photo Caption Contest (11/1/26)
The Lookout Landing blog spotlights this week’s Sunday Photo Caption Contest, featuring a May 24, 2026 photo of Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley slamming his helmet after a frustrating out at Kauffman Stadium. Raley, who posted a .328/.403/.719 slash line with eight homers and a 215 wRC+ in May, became the focus of the caption challenge. The post recaps Halloween festivities, notes the end of daylight‑saving time, lists last week’s winners, and outlines contest rules—encouraging creative captions, drawings, or even equations, with winners chosen by community recs and the author’s pick.
Mariners News: Drew Rasmussen, Luis Severino, and Nick Pivetta
The offseason heats up as the Rays lock up left‑hander Drew Rasmussen with a $20 million club option—the biggest single‑season deal in franchise history. Meanwhile, the A’s drop $15 million options on Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs, sending both to free agency, and Yankees reliever Luis Severino exercises his $22 million option after a shortened 2026. The Padres retain Wandy Peralta’s $4.45 million option for a third year but let right‑hander Nick Pivetta walk. KBO infielder Roh Si‑hwan is posted for MLB negotiation, and the Yankees trim their front office staff. All moves were reported on November 1, 2026.
Mariners News: Michael Arroyo, John Olerud, and Kaima Taira
The Mariners announce CJ Gillman as their new hitting coach while awaiting a manager, and pitcher Michael Arroyo faces an elbow scope with a slated return in April 2027. Ryan Blake shares 2027 projection insights, and Kate Preusser outlines key offseason dates. Washington State honors John Olerud with a new statue, and Seattle’s pioneering female umpire Christine Wren passes at 78. League-wide moves include the Astros hiring Randy Flores as GM, the Seibu Lions posting right‑hander Kaima Taira to MLB, and the Diamondbacks targeting controllable starters amid talks for Ketel Marte. Over The Monster warns the upcoming lockout could sour offseason optimism.
Important dates for the 2027 MLB off-season
The 2027 MLB off‑season calendar kicks off after the World Series, but a potential lockout in early December could shift dates. Key milestones include free agency opening on Nov 1, the MLB Awards Show on Nov 11, and MVP announcements on Nov 12. The non‑tender deadline lands on Nov 20, followed by a possible lockout on Dec 1. Winter meetings run Dec 7‑9 in San Diego, with the Draft Lottery and Rule 5 Draft slated for Dec 8‑9. Spring training begins Feb 9, and Opening Day is set for March 25.
Mariners continue cart assembly, still seeking horse, reportedly hire CJ Gillman as hitting coach
The Seattle Mariners have added C.J. Gillman to their 2027 big‑league staff as hitting coach, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Chandler Rome and Spencer Nusbaum. Gillman, who spent 2026 as the Washington Nationals’ Director of Hitting, previously served as the Mariners’ Minor League Hitting Coordinator from 2022‑25, giving him familiarity with emerging talent like Cole Young, Colt Emerson, Lázaro Montes and Michael Arroyo. While Seattle still searches for a manager, the club hopes Gillman’s “Do Damage” philosophy will spark the same offensive jump the Nationals saw last season. Published October 30, 2026 on Lookout Landing.
Napkin Math: Too Early Projections for the 2027 Mariners
The Lookout Landing piece breaks down the Seattle Mariners' uphill battle to reach the 2027 postseason, noting the club posted a league‑low 30.1 fWAR in 2026, with only 5.5 coming from Randy Arozarena. To contend, the team must add about 15 WAR through player development and acquisitions. Analyzing the projected Opening‑Day lineup, the author estimates the top nine hitters will generate roughly 22.8 WAR—a drop from ZiPS forecasts but still enough for an eighth‑place ranking. Pitching projections total 17.1 WAR, again placing Seattle in the league’s top eight. The article highlights key uncertainties, including injuries to Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, the performance of 2½ rookies, and the role of emerging arm Kade Anderson.
Mariners News: Grant McCray, Nate Eaton, and Tsung-Che Cheng
The Mariners announce key roster moves as the offseason begins: they claim former Giants outfielder Grant McCray off waivers and decide on three team options, while staff debate Joe Espada versus Jason Kanzler for the managerial job. Across MLB, the A’s trade for outfielder Nate Eaton from Boston, the Tigers acquire infielder Tsung‑Che Cheng, and the Astros target Brewers’ Matt Kleine for their GM spot. Additional notes include Tatsuya Imai staying with Houston and Dustin May entering free agency.
Jason Kanzler or Joe Espada? A LL staff discussion on the Mariners’ managerial finalists
The Lookout Landing staff debates Seattle’s two front‑runner candidates to replace Dan Wilson: Astros coach Joe Espada and former Astros assistant Jason Kanzler. Both have been slated for in‑person interviews, according to a Seattle Times report cited by Adam Jude. Contributors note Espada’s 54 % career win rate, two AL West titles and Spanish fluency, while others argue Kanzler’s younger, tech‑savvy profile could bring fresh energy. The Slack chat also references potential alternatives from the Rays, Brewers and the Nationals’ Blake Butera, highlighting the club’s dilemma between proven experience and youthful enthusiasm. As the Mariners inch toward a decision, the staff’s varied opinions underscore the stakes of the managerial hire.
Mariners reach decisions on trio of club options
On Hot Stove day the Seattle Mariners announced they exercised relief pitcher Andrés Muñoz’s $10 million club option after a down 2026 season, while declining options on outfielder Víctor Robles ($9 million) and starter Bryce Miller ($6.075 million). Muñoz’s ERA jumped to 4.24 but he posted strong strikeout and walk rates, hinting at a bounce‑back. Robles, once a 3.2 fWAR fireball, struggled with injuries and will likely move on. Miller, after a 4.17 ERA in 2026 and a $15K buyout, faces arbitration at $3.9 million as his role wanes. The Mariners’ 40‑man roster now has eight players returning from the 60‑day IL.
Under-the-radar Mariners coaching candidates from MLB (AL/NL West)
The Lookout Landing column spotlights under‑the‑radar candidates the Seattle Mariners could tap as they overhaul their coaching staff. From the AL West, 56‑year‑old Todd Takayoshi, the Oakland A’s minor‑league hitting coordinator, brings 20+ years of player‑development experience and local Seattle ties. In the NL West, the piece highlights 33‑year‑old Nic Wilson, the Colorado Rockies’ assistant hitting coach praised for elite communication skills, and 42‑year‑old Ryley Westman, the San Diego Padres’ director of player development known for his versatile coaching background and strong rapport with young talent. The article skips the Dodgers and Astros, focusing on these three prospects as potential Mariners hires.
Mariners News: William Contreras, Tarik Skubal, and the Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch their first-ever World Series title, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 on October 28, 2026, with William Contreras hoisting the Willie Mays MVP trophy. The post‑season wrap‑up notes the Brewers' dominant run and highlights the Contreras brothers' historic impact. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are in the final stage of their managerial search, weighing Joe Espada against Jason Kanzler, with a decision expected this week. Additional league news includes the Astros interviewing Oz Ocampo for assistant GM and a debate about giving Aaron Ashby another rotation chance next season.
World Series Game Five: Open Game Thread
On Oct. 27, 2026, Tampa Bay Rays pinch‑hitter Ben Williamson (15) delivers a dramatic walk‑off single in the 12th inning of Game 4 of the World Series, prompting a celebratory Gatorade splash at Tropicana Field. The victory forces a decisive Game 5 on Oct. 28, pitting Brewers ace Jacob Misierowski against Rays left‑hander Drew Rasmussen. The thread notes broadcast details (Fox/FOX ONE, 5 p.m. PT) and fan reactions, while the author predicts a possible shift back to Milwaukee.
Under-the-radar Mariners coaching candidates from MLB (NL East)
In the second installment of his Mariners coaching deep‑dive, the author turns to NL East prospects while the AL East and NL Central battle in the World Series. He profiles three under‑the‑radar candidates: Phillies third‑base coach Anthony Contreras, a West‑coast native and former IronPigs manager now possibly available after the team hired Carlos Mendoza; Mets director of defense Tucker Frawley, a former Yale assistant known for his analytical approach to infield play; and free‑agent former Mariners infielder Matt Tuiasosopo, whose PNW roots and recent stint as a Braves minor‑league coordinator could make him a hometown fit. Each profile includes age, current role, and a player quote highlighting their coaching style.
Mariners News: Ben Williamson, Joe Espada, and Jason Kanzler
Former Ray Ben Williamson delivers a walk‑off single in the 12th inning, giving Tampa Bay a 4‑3 win over Milwaukee in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series on Oct. 27 at Tropicana Field. The victory forces a Game 5 as the Brewers look to clinch. Meanwhile, the Mariners consider ex‑Astros manager Joe Espada and Cubs player‑development director Jason Kanzler as finalists for their vacant manager role, with a decision expected by month’s end. Other notes: Twins' Jeff Hoffman faces surgery, Jorge Posada feels unwelcome with the Yankees, and the Astros release Nelson Velázquez for an Asia move.
World Series Game Four: Open Game Thread
The World Series Game Four pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 27, 2026. Richie Palacios returns to the Rays' lineup, while Griffin Jax aims to prevent a sweep. Milwaukee starts Dustin May on the mound. The game, slated for a 5 p.m. start, will air on FOX and FOX Sports One, with local radio coverage on 95.7 WDAE and WTMJ. Fans are urged to support the Rays as the series could be the final baseball action of the year amid a looming lockout.
Under-the-radar Mariners coaching candidates from MLB (AL Central)
Looking beyond the headline names of Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler, the Lookout Landing piece spotlights under‑the‑radar Mariners coaching candidates from each AL Central club. It profiles White Sox Double‑A manager Patrick Leyland (35), a former Mariner farmhand with coaching lineage, and Royals assistant director of player development Kevin Howard (45), a former Mariner minor‑leaguer linked to farm director Justin Toole and a 2001 College World Series champion. The author explains the selection criteria—coaching passion, ABCA involvement, West Coast ties, and limited loyalty to current clubs—and suggests these younger, innovative coaches could fit non‑managerial roles in Seattle.
Mariners Minor League Review: Everett AquaSox
The Everett AquaSox posted the Northwest League’s best OPS (.834) and led with 193 homers, finishing 67-65 but just missing the playoffs. MVP shortstop/switch‑hitter Celesten Felnin shone with a .314/.409/.534 line and 18 steals before earning a Double‑A promotion. Catcher Luke Stevenson delivered power (22 HR) and solid defense despite high strikeout rates, positioning him among the organization’s top ten prospects. Speedster center fielder Jonny Farmelo stole 41 bases and earned a late-season Double‑A call‑up, while under‑the‑radar slugger Brandon Eike added 29 homers and a .892 OPS. The review highlights individual breakthroughs that could shape Seattle’s future talent pipeline.
Mariners News: Robert Gasser, Francisco Lindor, and Daniel Vogelbach
The Milwaukee Brewers crush the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series, seizing a 3‑0 series lead thanks to an eight‑run fifth inning and a six‑scoreless‑inning performance by rookie Robert Gasser. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Mariners are interviewing former Astros manager Joe Espada and Cubs development chief Jason Kanzler for their next manager, and former Mariner Daniel Vogelbach, now a Brewers hitting coach, is praised for his offensive impact. Additionally, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor earns the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award for community service.
Report: Mariners will see Espada, Kanzler for in-person interviews
The Seattle Mariners are set to interview two managerial candidates, Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler, in person this week, according to MLB.com. Both former coaches on the 2022 World Champion Astros staff, the 51‑year‑old Espada brings a résumé that includes managing the Astros and a stint with the Yankees, while the 36‑year‑old Kanzler, a former minor‑league hitting coordinator turned Cubs director of player development, represents a younger option. The club aims to decide by month’s end to rebuild its coaching staff after a turnover following last season’s ALCS run.
World Series Game Three: Open Game Thread
The World Series shifts to Tropicana Field as the Tampa Bay Rays face the Milwaukee Brewers in Game Three. After the Rays built a 2-0 lead in Game 2, they start Freddy Peralta (51) on the mound, while the Brewers counter with rookie lefty Robert Gasser—marking only the fifth occurrence of back‑to‑back rookie starters in World Series history, per analyst Sarah Langs. The game tips off at 5:00 pm Pacific, with lineup highlights including Ben Williamson batting fifth for the first time in a World Series.
Build-a-manager: LL staff edition
The Lookout Landing staff outlines their ideal profile for the Seattle Mariners’ next manager. Kate stresses clear communication and emotional intelligence to fix 2026’s clubhouse missteps, while Isabelle wants a manager from a small, non‑traditional baseball state who’s a former player with Hall‑of‑Fame pedigree, respected leadership, a “daddy‑ish” vibe, and a sense of humor. Eric adds a light‑hearted note about the region’s food and proximity to Canada. The piece blends nostalgic references—like Lou Piniella’s 1997 photo—and staff anecdotes to illustrate the traits they deem essential for turning the Mariners around.
Mariners News: Rocco Baldelli, Freddy Peralta, and Taylor Walls
World Series Game 3 kicks off tonight as the Tampa Bay Rays seek their first win over the 2-0 Milwaukee Brewers, with Freddy Peralta (now averaging 96.9 mph) facing Brewers left‑hander Robert Gasser. In Seattle news, former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli pulls out of the Mariners’ managerial search for family reasons, while The Seattle Times’ Adam Jude outlines three offseason priorities: a star shortstop, proven relievers, and a veteran utility player. Mariners analyst Kate Preusser joins The Enni Way podcast to discuss team identity and clubhouse leadership. Additional league updates note Astros hiring hitting director Connor Watson, Rangers closer Jacob Latz’s 2.13 ERA, and shortstop Taylor Walls’s elite defensive metrics.
Rocco Baldelli withdraws from Mariners manager search
Rocco Baldelli has withdrawn from the Seattle Mariners' managerial search, citing family considerations. The 45‑year‑old former Twins manager, who led Minnesota to three playoff trips before back‑to‑back fourth‑place finishes in 2024‑25, is currently a special assistant with the Dodgers and is a father of three children under five. Baldelli’s exit leaves the Mariners to consider other candidates as they aim to hire a new manager before month‑end, amid interest from the Astros and Angels. The Astros just added Conner Watson as hitting director from the Guardians.
Caption’s LLog: Sunday Photo Caption Contest (10/25/26)
The Lookout Landing post spotlights a photo of Mariners left‑hander Logan Gilbert diving to throw out a runner in a July 4, 2026 game against the Toronto Blue Jays—a 11-0 Seattle win where Gilbert tossed just one baserunner in 7.1 innings with seven strikeouts, earning his fifth‑best career Game Score. The entry invites fans to submit captions, essays, drawings or any creative response for the weekly photo‑caption contest, with votes and personal favorites determining the winner. Past winners and contest rules are listed, and readers are encouraged to sign up for the site and SB Nation app to join the discussion.
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