Mariners fire GM Jack Zduriencik

The Seattle Mariners have relieved general manager Jack Zduriencik of his duties, they announced Friday. 

Assistant general manager Jeff Kingston will hold the Mariners' GM spot through the remainder of the season.

Seattle now joins the many teams in the market for a general manager at the end of the season. The Red Sox, Brewers, and Angels are other teams currently looking for a permanent GM, with the Phillies and Reds possibly following suit at the end of the year. 

"We have reached the point when change of leadership of our baseball operations is needed for the Seattle Mariners to reach our goal of winning championships," team president Kevin Mather said in a press release. "We are very disappointed with the results this season, and are not satisfied with the current operation. The search for a permanent general manager will begin immediately, and while there is no deadline, we expect to have a new GM in place as soon as practical."

Zduriencik was supposedly on the hot seat all throughout the season, with many expecting this to be his last hurrah with the team. The Mariners still haven't met expectations, going 59-69 thus far this season, sitting in fourth in the AL West. 

Zduriencik first was hired as the Mariners GM following the 2008 season. He has led the team to two winning seasons, in 2009 and 2014. This offseason, Zduriencik attempted to inject some offense into the lineup with the signing of Nelson Cruz, among other small moves. 

Despite this, Zduriencik was never able to build a successful team, making his firing inevitable. He has had issues drafting and further developing solid talent. Since he became the GM in 2009, the Mariners have had just four (of eight, including supplemental pick) first round picks make the Major Leagues, combining for a 11.6 bWAR, or less than three per big leaguer. 

The Mariners' GM opening could be a both desirable and undesirable one. With the right touch, this team could be a playoff club. However, their farm system is considered barren. Candidates already mentioned for the possible opening have been former executives Dan O'Dowd and Larry Beinfest, among others. 

--Devan Fink

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