Mariners make Jason Kanzler their new manager in shocking hire

The Mariners went with a wild card for their new manager in 2027.Jason Kanzler was named Seattle’s new manager on Tuesday, despite having no experience as a manager at any level and having a relatively short coaching career.The 36-year-old spent the past three years serving as the director of player development for the Cubs, where he oversaw the franchise’s minor league system, players and coaches.He also had minor league coaching stint with the Astros during the 2022-23 season which included the organization’s 2022 World Series title.

In 2023, he served as assistant hitting coach and pushed the Astros offense to average 4.55 runs per game, which ranked third in the American League.“Our goal in this process was finding a manager with the ability to challenge all of us to improve,” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.

“Jason has the mindset, expertise, communication skills, and intensity to help create a championship standard here in Seattle.”Kanzler will be the second-youngest manager in MLB, following 34-year-old Nationals manager Blake Butera, who was 33 at the time of hiring.He will be the 22nd manager in the club’s history and the third under Dipoto, who is entering his 12th season in the role.

The Penfield, N.Y.native is replacing Dan Wilson, who was out of the job after the Mariners went 76-86 in one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.Wilson was fired following the season finale against the Angels — just a year after he led Seattle to the AL West title and to Game 7 of the ALCS.“I am thrilled to join the Mariners organization and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running,” Kanzler stated.

“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.”Kanzier was reportedly a finalist among former Astros manager Joe Espada, who went through a third and final round of ...