Mariners still manager-less, AL West roundup

No AL West team took the field on Thursday, but there was movement around the edges of the division. The Seattle Mariners’ managerial search lost a logical candidate, while the Texas Rangers continued to tinker with the development path of one of their top prospects.

Vogt staying in Cleveland leaves Mariners looking elsewhere

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Guardians skipper Stephen Vogt has made it clear he will remain in Cleveland and is not interested in the Mariners’ open managerial job. The outlet notes that Vogt, who has strong ties to the state of Washington, told reporters Thursday that he’ll be staying put with the Guardians.

For Seattle, coming off a 76-86 season, that removes a name that had been naturally linked to the vacancy because of those regional connections. The organization will have to continue its search and focus on other candidates as it plans how to rebound in 2027.

Rangers expand Walcott’s defensive profile

In Texas, the focus is on player development after an 80-82 campaign. As relayed by MLB Trade Rumors from Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Rangers are using the Arizona Fall League to get extra at-bats for top prospect Sebastian Walcott and are also putting him through outfield drills. To this point, Walcott has only played shortstop and third base in the minors.

Working him in the outfield doesn’t guarantee a permanent position switch, but it does signal that the Rangers value his potential defensive versatility. That kind of flexibility could eventually ease his path to the big leagues.

Quiet day for the rest of the division

The Sacramento Athletics (64-98), Houston Astros (81-81), and Los Angeles Angels (62-100) were also off Thursday and did not figure into any major headlines over the last 24 hours. Standings remain unchanged across the AL West.