Jerry Dipoto took over as general manager of the Mariners in September 2015 and, in 2021, was promoted to President of Baseball Operations — the first person in franchise history to hold the role.
For years, his blueprint centered around rebuilding the club from the ground up: revamping scouting, investing heavily in player development, and making bold trade and draft decisions.
What once looked like a patient, long‑term plan finally paid off in 2025. The Mariners clinched the AL West crown — their first since 2001 — and finished with a 90–72 record, signaling a resurgence under Dipoto’s leadership.
At the heart of Seattle’s success was a balanced roster built through a blend of homegrown talent and key acquisitions:
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The rotation and bullpen featured young, controllable arms — a testament to strong drafting and development under Dipoto.
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On offense and defense, core players cultivated over years blossomed into stars — another sign that the rebuild’s foundation was solid. Mid‑season trades paid dividends when the front office added impact players that bolstered the lineup, helping the team contend in a tight division race.
Dipoto’s approach — building depth rather than banking everything on a few big names — proved its worth. As he said recently: “It takes a village … we put together a good organization.”
The honor from Baseball America marks several milestones:
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He’s the first Mariners executive to be named Executive of the Year since Pat Gillick won it in 2001.
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The award reflects more than a single season — it acknowledges a structural transformation of the club, from a rebuilding project to a legitimate contender.
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Under Dipoto, Seattle now boasts one of the top farm systems in baseball, giving the franchise both present success and future promise.
Co‑executive Justin Hollander, GM of the Mariners, praised Dipoto’s leadership style — not micromanaging, but empowering people to do their jobs, learn from mistakes, and grow.
Dipoto has repeatedly said there’s no “finish line” — sustaining success matters more than a one‑off breakthrough. With a deep farm system, youthful core, and a front office that has now proven its strategy, Seattle looks positioned not just for one strong season, but for years of competitiveness. But expectations will be higher than ever. As fans savor this milestone, many will expect the Mariners to continue building — refining the roster, maybe adding bullpen support or bench depth — to go even further in 2026.
For Dipoto, this Executive of the Year award is not just recognition, but a validation of vision — and perhaps the beginning of a new era for the Mariners.
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