11/3/26
37 days after relieving Dan Wilson of his managerial duties, the Seattle Mariners announced on Tuesday morning that Jason Kanzler will be the 22nd manager in franchise history. The team announced the hiring on X on Tuesday and will have an introductory press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Kanzler at 36-years-old will be the youngest manager in Mariners history in what will be his first managerial job at any level. Kanzler spent time in the Houston Astros organization from 2019-2023 as a hitting coach at various levels. After that stint, he became the Director of Player Development for the Chicago Cubs, a job he has held since 2024.
“I am thrilled to join the Mariners organization and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running,” Kanzler said in a statement. “This team has an immense amount of talent in all facets of the game, and my coaching staff and I are excited to access and unlock this team’s full potential.”
President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto has been under a ton of scrutiny in recent years and this is the third manager in his tenure and all three have been first time managers. However, this is the first time Dipoto has gone to the younger generation as they look to bring in a new way of thinking and new ideas to get over the hump and get the franchise to its first World Series ever.
Jason Kanzler is now the second youngest manager in MLB behind Washington’s Blake Butera who managed his first season last year at 34-years-old. Other names on the Mariners list were former Astros manager Joe Espada, who was the other finalist, along with Jeff Banister, A.J. Ellis, and Walker McKinven. Another popular name was former Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli but he removed himself from consideration due to family considerations.
Only four managers in franchise history have winning records with the last three, Lloyd McClendon, Scott Servais, and Dan Wilson each finishing with winning records to join the legendary Lou Pinella. Kanzler will inherit a team that was one win away from the World Series in 2025 before going 76-86 and missing the postseason in the worst division in MLB history.
There will be some new names on the roster with Randy Arozarena, J.P. Crawford, Taylor Ward, and Hoby Milner all headed for free agency. Arozarena is a big hole to fill while Crawford leaves a huge void in the clubhouse but could return as he has made it known he only wants to play in Seattle.
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