Jason Kanzler, 36, Takes Helm as Mariners’ Manager

WHO:

MLB.com - Jason Kanzler, 36, was hired as manager of the Seattle Mariners; he became the franchise’s 22nd manager and its third under president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto.

MLB.com - Kanzler previously spent three seasons as the Chicago Cubs’ director of player development and five seasons in the Houston Astros’ organization.

MLB.com - Kanzler worked as a Major League hitting coach with Joe Espada in 2022–23 and was one of three hitting coaches on Dusty Baker’s staff during Houston’s 2022 World Series championship season.

MLB.com - Kanzler played in the Minnesota Twins’ organization in 2014–15 after the Twins selected him in the 20th round of the 2013 Draft; his playing career reached High-A.

MLB.com - Kanzler previously taught high school physics and chemistry in suburban Houston, coached for two seasons in the Cape Cod League, and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Buffalo.

MLB.com - Kanzler is the second-youngest manager in MLB, behind Washington’s Blake Butera, who is 34.

MLB.com - Joe Espada, 51, was the other finalist. He managed Houston for three seasons, including AL West titles in 2024 and 2026; previously, he was the Astros’ bench coach for six seasons.

MLB.com - Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said Kanzler showed “elite leadership skills” and the ability to connect with players, staff, and the front office.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Seattle hired Kanzler as its manager, making him a first-time skipper at any level. He replaces Dan Wilson, whose tenure ended after more than two years.

MLB.com - Kanzler said, “I am thrilled to join the Mariners organization,” and said he and his coaching staff were excited to “access and unlock this team’s full potential.”

MLB.com - Dipoto said the club sought a manager able to challenge everyone to improve and described Kanzler’s “mindset, expertise, communication skills and intensity” as qualities that could help establish a championship standard.

MLB.com - Seattle’s roster includes a six-starter homegrown rotation and an All-Star position-player core of Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor.

MLB.com - Seattle agreed to terms with hitting coach CJ Gillman and parted ways with four members of its previous coaching group.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Kanzler was hired to manage the Seattle Mariners, based in Seattle.

MLB.com - The final-round interviews with Kanzler and Espada took place in person at T-Mobile Park.

WHY:

MLB.com - Seattle said it selected Kanzler for his leadership, communication, player-development background, and ability to help the organization return to the postseason.

HOW:

MLB.com - Kanzler and Espada were the two finalists and completed a third and final interview round; Seattle then made its decision after a process that ran through the weekend.

Fox News - The Mariners hired Kanzler after his three seasons leading Cubs player development and following a disappointing season.

Seattle hired Jason Kanzler as manager, making him the Mariners’ first-time skipper. Kanzler, 36, previously led player development for the Cubs and worked with Houston. He replaces Dan Wilson, with Seattle citing Kanzler’s leadership and communication skills.