Seattle Mariners appoint Jason Kanzler as new manager
Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 20:51 · Archive
The Seattle Mariners have hired Chicago Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler as manager, replacing Dan Wilson after a disappointing 76-86 season that began with World Series aspirations. The 36-year-old will be the second-youngest manager in baseball behind Washington's Blake Butera. Kanzler was the Cubs' director of player development, leading the organization's minor league system, players and coaching staff. He has never managed a club at any level, though he was an assistant hitting coach for the Houston Astros in 2022-23.
Kanzler took an unconventional path to the role. He was a walk-on outfielder at Buffalo and became a two-time Rawlings Gold Glover. After being selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 20th round of the 2013 MLB draft, he spent three minor league seasons. Once his playing career ended, he became a high school physics and chemistry teacher in Katy, Texas, before Houston hired him in 2019 as hitting coach for High-A Fayetteville.
Seattle general manager Justin Hollander said Kanzler's dynamic personality and analytics-forward player-development background made him the obvious choice. 'It was just round after round, conversation after conversation, he dominated the process to the degree that I think we would've been foolish to take all that hard work and throw it out the window and not choose him,' Hollander explained. Kanzler said it 'felt natural' to try teaching, since he already loved helping his teammates improve. 'I really enjoyed it. It has greatly informed how I do things,' he said at his introductory press conference.
How it is being reported
- New Mariners manager Jason Kanzler once taught chemistry. Now he’ll try to build itThe Seattle Mariners began a new era Wednesday when the club introduced Jason Kanzler as its manager.Clickorlando · 5 Nov, 02:06
- New Mariners manager Jason Kanzler once taught chemistry. Now he’ll try to build itThe Seattle Mariners began a new era Wednesday when the club introduced Jason Kanzler as its manager.News4Jax · 5 Nov, 02:06
- Seattle Mariners hire Chicago Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler as managerThe Seattle Mariners have hired Chicago Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler as manager.Clickorlando · 3 Nov, 17:08
- Seattle Mariners hire Chicago Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler as managerThe Seattle Mariners have hired Chicago Cubs farm director Jason Kanzler as manager.News4Jax · 3 Nov, 17:08
In this story: Seattle Mariners · Jason Kanzler · Chicago Cubs · Dan Wilson · Houston Astros · Minnesota Twins
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