Mariners select 36-year-old development executive for managerial role

Seattle remains the only active Major League Baseball franchise to never reach the World Series, a distinction the team aims to erase with a new leadership hire.

The Mariners named Jason Kanzler as their new manager on Tuesday, concluding a 37-day search that began after the dismissal of Dan Wilson.

Kanzler, 36, has no prior experience managing at the major or minor league levels. His most recent role was director of player development for the Chicago Cubs.

Jerry Dipoto, the club's president of baseball operations, selected Kanzler over former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada. Rocco Baldelli, a former Minnesota Twins manager, was also a finalist but withdrew from the process for family reasons.

Dipoto stated in a press release that the goal was to find a leader who could challenge the organization to improve. He described Kanzler as possessing the mindset, expertise, and intensity needed to create a championship standard in Seattle.

This marks the third time Dipoto has hired a manager who had not previously managed a Major League game. It is also the third hiring of his tenure, which is entering its 11th season.

The team finished the 2026 season with a 76-86 record, a drop from the 2025 campaign where they reached Game 7 of the American League Championship Series under Wilson, who was fired on Sept. 27.

Rumors circulated that Seattle might pursue Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who served as the Mariners' bullpen coach in 2023 and resides in the Olympia area during the offseason.

Vogt addressed the speculation on Oct. 22, stating he had heard nothing about the move and loved his current team in Cleveland. He noted that being close to his family is a priority, but he is committed to staying in Cleveland for the long term.

Kanzler will oversee a roster that featured a strong pitching rotation in 2026, including Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, George Kirby, Emerson Hancock, Bryce Miller, and Kade Anderson.

The lineup includes stars Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Gold Glove-winner Cole Young. Despite this talent, the team scored a third-worst 664 runs in 162 games and ranked 26th in defensive runs saved.

The organization announced that sluggers Josh Naylor and Cal Raleigh both underwent successful surgeries following injuries that affected their 2026 seasons. Young, along with Colt Emerson and Lazaro Montes, are expected to be key contributors moving forward, having played for the Everett AquaSox.