Mariners appoint Jason Kanzler as new manager

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 19:45 · Archive

The Seattle Mariners have hired 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as their new manager, despite his lack of managerial experience.

The Seattle Mariners have named Jason Kanzler as their 22nd manager. The 36-year-old, who spent the past three years as director of player development for the Chicago Cubs, has no prior managerial experience at any level.

Kanzler previously worked for the Houston Astros, serving as a minor league coach in their farm system and later as a major league coach during their 2022 World Series title season. In 2023, he was the Astros' assistant hitting coach, helping push their offence to average 4.55 runs per game, which ranked third in the American League.

The hiring comes after the Mariners went 76–86 last season, described as one of the most disappointing in franchise history. The team had reached the AL Championship Series in 2025 before the recent decline. Kanzler will be the second-youngest manager in Major League Baseball, behind Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera, who is 34.

Dipoto, the Mariners' president of baseball operations, said the organization sought 'a manager with the ability to challenge all of us to improve'. Kanzler said he was 'thrilled to join the Mariners organization' and excited to 'access and unlock this team's full potential'.

How it is being reported

• Mariners hire 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as new manager after disappointing seasonThe Seattle Mariners tapped 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as their 22nd manager after his three seasons leading Chicago Cubs player development.Fox News · 3 Nov, 18:20
• Mariners make Jason Kanzler their new manager in shocking hireThe Mariners went with a wild card for their new manager in 2027.New York Post · 3 Nov, 17:48

In this story: Seattle Mariners · Jason Kanzler · Chicago Cubs · Houston Astros · Jerry Dipoto · Blake Butera

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