SEATTLE -- The new manager of the Mariners is Don Wakamatsu, a Major League source has confirmed to MLB.com. A Mariners spokesman wouldn't confirm or deny the hiring but said there will be an announcement at Safeco Field on Wednesday.

News of Wakamatsu's hiring was first reported by KING-TV and the Seattle Times.

Wakamatsu, 45, served as the bench coach for the Oakland A's last year and is new general manager Jack Zduriencik's choice over six other candidates: Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills and third-base coach DeMarlo Hale; Arizona Diamondbacks third-base coach Chip Hale; St. Louis Cardinals third-base coach Jose Oquendo; Chicago White Sox bench coach and former Mariners infielder Joey Cora, and Randy Ready, the manager of Portland, the San Diego Padres' affiliate in Triple-A.