Mariners Reportedly Narrow Manager Search to Espada, Kanzler and Other Candidates

WHO:

MLB Trade Rumors - The Seattle Mariners’ reported managerial finalists are Joe Espada, 51, the former Houston Astros manager, and Jason Kanzler, 36, the Chicago Cubs’ director of player development.

MLB.com - Espada managed Houston for three seasons after serving as the Astros’ bench coach for six seasons. Kanzler has led the Cubs’ farm system for three seasons and previously spent five seasons in Houston’s organization.

MLB.com - Both finalists were on Dusty Baker’s Astros coaching staff during Houston’s 2022 World Series title run.

MLB.com - Rocco Baldelli, a Dodgers special assistant and former Twins manager, withdrew from consideration for family reasons. He had managed Minnesota for seven seasons, won three American League Central titles, and received the 2019 AL Manager of the Year Award.

MLB.com - White Sox bench coach Walker McKinven and former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde were no longer being considered. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo returned to Arizona on a two-year contract, and Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said he would return to Cleveland.

Lookout Landing - Other potential under-the-radar candidates discussed included White Sox Double-A Birmingham manager Patrick Leyland, Royals assistant director of player development Kevin Howard, Tigers third-base coach Billy Boyer, Twins bench coach Mark Hallberg, and Guardians assistant director of player development Alyssa Nakken.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Seattle completed in-person finalist interviews with Kanzler and Espada and entered the decision-making phase. No additional in-person interviews were scheduled.

MLB Trade Rumors - The Mariners’ initial search list contained 30 to 40 names, and the team spoke with many candidates. Seattle planned to name a manager by the end of the week.

MLB Trade Rumors - Houston won the AL West with 88 wins in 2024, won 87 games the following season but missed the playoffs, and won the division with 81 wins this season before another early playoff exit. Houston did not renew Espada’s contract for the 2027 season.

MLB.com - Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said prior MLB managing experience was “not a prerequisite” but “would be preferred.”

WHERE:

MLB.com - The finalist interviews and meetings took place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Seattle’s decision could conclude as soon as Thursday, extend through Friday or the weekend, with a formal introductory press conference tentatively planned for early next week.

MLB.com - The Mariners’ internal deadline for hiring a successor to Dan Wilson was before the General Managers Meetings, scheduled for Nov. 10-12 in Las Vegas.

WHY:

MLB.com - Baldelli withdrew because of family considerations; he lives in Florida with his wife and three young children.

MLB.com - Kanzler was described as an unconventional candidate because he has no managerial experience at any level. The Mariners have emphasized communication as a priority.

HOW:

MLB.com - Espada and Kanzler met with Dipoto, general manager Justin Hollander, retained major-league coaches, baseball operations staff, ownership including managing partner John Stanton, and business, media relations, and marketing staff.

Lookout Landing - The article evaluated coaching candidates by researching professional development interests, American Baseball Coaches Association membership, coaching philosophy, regional ties, and organizational connections.

The Seattle Mariners have completed in-person interviews with finalists Joe Espada, a former Houston manager, and Jason Kanzler, the Cubs’ director of player development, and are now deciding who will replace Dan Wilson. Both were on Dusty Baker’s Astros staff during Houston’s 2022 World Series win, but Kanzler has no managerial experience, while Seattle says prior MLB managing experience is preferred, not required. Rocco Baldelli withdrew for family reasons, and Seattle plans to name its choice by the end of the week.