Jerry Dipoto Named General Manager of Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners confirmed Monday that Jerry Dipoto will take over as the team's general manager.

Dipoto replaces Jack Zduriencik, who was relieved of his duties as general manager on Aug. 28, and will be charged with getting the franchise back to the postseason for the first time since 2001.

The former Angels general manager was serving a special consultant for the Boston Red Sox prior to getting the job in Seattle, per ESPN.com.

Seattle also considered New York Yankees assistant general manager Billy Eppler, who was granted permission to interview with the Mariners, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports on Sept. 9.

Dipoto also fits the bill for what the Mariners were looking for. As Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted on Aug. 28, the Mariners planned to hire a general manager who had previous experience in the role:

Seattle's roster is in an interesting spot Dipoto as he takes over. Jonah Keri of Grantland pointed out recently that the team has been bad at developing players, citing examples like Dustin Ackley, Nick Franklin, Jesus Montero, Justin Smoak and Mike Zunino.

Because of the inability to bring up young impact players, Zduriencik and his staff spent a franchise-record $123 million on a roster in 2015 that's well under .500 and in fourth place in the American League West.

The good news is that with expiring contracts, Seattle's projected payroll for next season is $78.86 million.

As long as Dipoto hires a scouting and coaching staff able to develop major league-caliber players and the front office remains willing to spend money on free agents, the Mariners should be able to make a strong push toward postseason contention in 2016.

Contract information via Cot's Baseball Contracts.