BREAKING NEWS: Former Seattle Mariners Head coach Eric wedge now with Tulsa Drillers sent a message to Seattle Mariners Head coach Dan Wilson concerning…. see more

In an unexpected and somewhat emotional turn of events, former Seattle Mariners head coach Eric Wedge, now managing the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, has made headlines once again—this time by reaching out publicly to current Mariners skipper Dan Wilson with a pointed and passionate message concerning the state of the Mariners’ organization. Wedge, who has long been a polarizing figure in Seattle baseball history, didn’t hold back in expressing his thoughts about the Mariners’ current development trajectory, clubhouse culture, and what he called “a concerning detachment from foundational principles.”

A Message Born Out of Respect and Frustration

Eric Wedge, who managed the Mariners from 2011 to 2013, has largely stayed out of the spotlight when it comes to his former team. But his recent public comments—delivered during a post-game press conference after a Drillers victory—were as much about mentorship as they were about criticism.

“I’ve got a lot of love for that organization,” Wedge began. “And Dan Wilson—he’s a guy I have the utmost respect for. We battled together. We built trust. But as someone who’s walked those same halls, who’s managed in that same dugout, I feel compelled to say something when I see things going off track. This isn’t about throwing stones. It’s about caring enough to speak up.”

The Heart of the Message: Player Development and Clubhouse Cohesion

According to sources close to Wedge, the former MLB catcher turned manager has been growing increasingly concerned over what he describes as a lack of continuity in the Mariners’ development pipeline. His comments seemed especially targeted toward what he perceives as a growing disconnect between the major league roster and its farm system.

“There was a time when the Mariners prided themselves on grooming gritty, intelligent ballplayers who respected the game,” Wedge continued. “Lately, I see a lot of transactional thinking—players being moved up and down with no real plan. That doesn’t help them. It hurts them. And it hurts the integrity of the team.”

Wedge specifically referenced the case of top prospect Gabriel Soto, a 22-year-old outfielder who was called up to the majors only to be benched in key series, then sent back down a week later with minimal at-bats. “That’s not how you develop confidence. That’s how you break a player,” Wedge said.

He also emphasized the importance of having veteran leadership in the locker room. “You need a core. Guys who set the tone. The Mariners of the early 2000s had that. Right now? It’s a bit of a revolving door, and you can’t build culture that way.”

Dan Wilson Responds with Grace

Dan Wilson, who was appointed Mariners head coach ahead of the 2024 season, didn’t shy away from addressing Wedge’s remarks. Speaking to local reporters prior to the Mariners’ game against the Texas Rangers, Wilson offered a calm and composed response.

“Eric’s someone I respect a lot—not just as a former coach, but as a man who’s given his life to the game of baseball,” Wilson said. “We may have some differences in philosophy, but I know his heart’s in the right place. We’re all trying to do what’s best for the organization.”

Wilson went on to say that the Mariners’ development model is “adaptive by design,” and acknowledged that while some transitions may appear abrupt from the outside, they are “strategically thought through with the long-term picture in mind.”

“Every team is going to make mistakes,” Wilson added. “Our job is to learn from them and keep improving.”

A Shared History with Divergent Paths

Wedge and Wilson share a unique history in Seattle. Both were part of the Mariners organization during a time of transition. Wilson, a beloved catcher for the Mariners during their record-setting 2001 season, transitioned to coaching and has long been a fan favorite. Wedge, on the other hand, endured three challenging seasons as manager, inheriting a team in rebuilding mode and dealing with front office turmoil.

Their mutual respect is evident, but their views on how to shape the future of Mariners baseball have clearly diverged.

The Broader Picture: A System in Question?

Wedge’s remarks have sparked conversation across the baseball community, especially among Mariners fans and analysts who have watched the team struggle with inconsistency despite boasting one of the top farm systems in baseball over the past few years.

Longtime Mariners beat writer Geoff Baker noted, “This feels like more than just a personal message—it’s a referendum on the direction of the franchise. The Mariners have been flirting with contention but can’t seem to cross the threshold. Wedge is asking, in his own way, why that’s happening.”

Indeed, the Mariners have hovered around the .500 mark for much of the 2025 season, plagued by bullpen inconsistency and uneven offensive performances from young stars like Julio Rodríguez and Colt Emerson.

A Pattern of Concern from the Past?

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Wedge has raised concerns about player development. When he departed the Mariners in 2013, he famously cited “philosophical differences” with the front office, a phrase that now seems to echo in his recent comments.

At that time, Wedge warned about “organizational instability” and a lack of commitment to a consistent vision. Nearly twelve years later, his warning appears to have returned with renewed urgency.

A Call to Reflection, Not Rebellion

Despite the boldness of his message, Wedge emphasized that his intent is not to sow division, but to inspire introspection.

“I’ve got no ill will. I just want to see the Mariners win again. Truly win. Sustainably win,” Wedge said. “That starts with being honest about what’s working and what isn’t.”

He concluded with a message directed at Wilson himself: “Dan, you’re a hell of a baseball man. But don’t be afraid to push back. Don’t let the spreadsheets drown out the soul of the game.”

What Happens Next?

It remains to be seen whether Wedge’s message will spark any realignment within the Mariners’ leadership or development systems. But it has certainly ignited a conversation.

Sports talk shows across Seattle are buzzing with opinions. Mariners fans, already weary of a playoff drought stretching back to 2022, are voicing mixed reactions. Some see Wedge as a truth-teller; others view his remarks as an unnecessary public critique.

Still, most agree on one thing: the Mariners are at a crossroads. And whether they heed Wedge’s call or not, the decisions they make in the coming months will have a lasting impact on the franchise’s identity.

For now, Eric Wedge returns to his duties with the Tulsa Drillers, a man far from the Pacific Northwest, but clearly not far removed from the team that once bore his name. And as for Dan Wilson, the pressure to win—and to do so while fostering a lasting culture—has perhaps never been