Sports · Baseball · 6 hrs ago
Mariners Consider Jason Kanzler for Manager Job
The Seattle Mariners are searching for a new manager after parting ways with Dan Wilson last month.
Jason Kanzler, Joe Espada and Rocco Baldelli are among the candidates, and the search is described as being in an advanced stage.
Kanzler, 36, has worked in baseball development and coaching, including as the Cubs’ director of player development since 2024.
He has not managed a major-league team, unlike Espada and Baldelli, making his possible appointment a less experienced choice.
Espada recently completed three years on the Astros’ coaching staff, while Baldelli managed the Twins from 2019 to 2025.
Seattle president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has said the team is leaning toward experience but also wants fresh ideas.
The Mariners have also considered Torey Lovullo, who has since agreed to stay with the Diamondbacks, and have not announced their choice.
The Seattle Mariners are considering Jason Kanzler as they search for a new manager.
Kanzler is among three candidates named in a report by The Athletic, alongside Joe Espada and Rocco Baldelli.
The search is described as being in an advanced stage, though the report says other candidates are also in the mix.
Kanzler, 36, has worked in player development and coaching but has never managed a major-league team.
The Mariners have said they were leaning toward an experienced manager while also wanting fresh ideas.
- Who
- The Seattle Mariners are considering Jason Kanzler for their managerial vacancy.
- What
- Kanzler is one of several candidates in the search for a new manager.
- When
- The report was published on October 21, 2026; the timing of any decision is not stated.
- Where
- Seattle.
- Why
- The Mariners are seeking a new manager after parting ways with Dan Wilson. The club has expressed interest in both experience and fresh ideas.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Twins drafted Kanzler.
Kanzler topped out at the High-A level.
Kanzler joined the Astros’ minor-league system as a hitting coordinator.
Kanzler moved onto the Astros’ major-league staff as a coach.
Kanzler became the Astros’ assistant hitting coach.
The Cubs hired Kanzler as director of player development.
- Candidate
- Jason Kanzler
- Age
- 36
- Other named candidates
- Joe Espada and Rocco Baldelli
- Search status
- Described as being in an advanced stage
- Former manager
- Dan Wilson
- Kanzler’s current role
- Cubs director of player development