Why the Mariners kept their pitching coach staff intact despite rough second half performance

Key Points:

• The Mariners are undergoing a major coaching staff overhaul following a disappointing 2026 season, aiming for a "culture reset" to realign the major league team with organizational principles emphasized in the minor leagues.
• Jerry Dipoto highlighted the team's poor defense as a critical issue, noting it not only violated the desired style of play but also placed additional strain on the pitching staff.
• Despite pitching struggles late in the season, pitching coaches Pete Woodworth and Trent Blank retained their positions due to their proven track record and strong communication with players, which remains a strength within the organization.
• Communication breakdowns were identified as a significant problem across the organization, with Dipoto taking responsibility for mishandling the "piggyback" pitching strategy and emphasizing the need for clearer leadership communication moving forward.
• The Mariners plan to address specific pitching execution issues, particularly two-strike situations, viewing these as correctable problems that the new manager will need to help the pitching staff refocus on finishing at-bats effectively.