Mariners Name Jason Kanzler Their New Manager

The Seattle Mariners named Jason Kanzler their new manager Tuesday, hiring the Chicago Cubs’ director of player development to lead the club.

Seattle’s announcement confirms the appointment after earlier reports that the team had selected him. Kanzler, 36, spent the past three seasons overseeing Chicago’s minor league system, players and coaching staff.

He previously worked on Houston’s major league staff, serving as a major league coach during the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship season and as assistant hitting coach in 2023. Before that, he held hitting-development roles in Houston’s minor league organization.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said the search focused on finding a manager who could challenge the organization to improve. General manager Justin Hollander cited Kanzler’s leadership and ability to work with players, staff and the front office.

Kanzler played three minor league seasons in Minnesota’s organization after being selected in the 20th round of the 2013 draft. He is Seattle’s 22nd manager overall and 19th full-time manager.

The Mariners scheduled his introductory news conference for Wednesday, November 4, at 5 p.m. EST.