The Seattle Mariners have hired Jerry Dipoto as their general manager.

Dipoto replaces Jack Zduriencik, who was fired in late August after seven disappointing seasons in which the club failed to end its playoff drought.

With the Toronto Blue Jays having qualified for the postseason, the Mariners now have the longest playoff absence in baseball at 14 years and counting.

"Jerry impressed us at each step of the process," Mariners president Kevin Mather said. "He has a very unique skill set, having been a successful player in the majors (he was 27-24 pitching in eight seasons with the Indians, Mets and Rockies), then moving into front offices with steadily increasing responsibilities. Jerry has scouted, spent time in player development and has a track record as a very successful general manager.

"During our conversations over the past few weeks, it became clear to me that he has a very solid understanding of our team and organization, both where we are and where we want to be. And he has a strategy to get us there. Few candidates bring the combination of playing the game, scouting, a solid understanding of statistical metrics and a plan for player development.

"I am looking forward to having Jerry lead our baseball operations for a long time."