Jason Kanzler? Who's he? Seattle's new manager

posted by u/TheSocraticGadfly · 2026-11-03 20:00 UTC

Here you go, PNW folks. The biggie? This:

Kanzler, 36, has never managed a team at any level.

OK now. The non-missing part of his resume?

A former outfielder who was drafted in the 20th round in 2013, Kanzler previously spent five years in the Houston Astros organization, serving as a major league coach in 2022 and 2023. The Cubs hired him as their director of player development at the start of 2024 and watched him help in the development of young players such as Pedro Ramirez, Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Why?

Former Astros manager Joe Espada was reportedly also a finalist for the position, but the Mariners valued Kanzler's combination of intelligence, intensity and creativity and believe he will help players continue to develop in the major leagues, which they see as crucial to a roster featuring several up-and-coming young players.

No contract value mentioned in story. Was he maybe OK with taking 36-year-old never-before-managing money that Espada woudn't? Asking for a friend.

Original link: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/50369972/mariners-hire-kanzler-manager-replace-fired-wilson

## Top comments

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2. u/Essex626 · 2026-11-03 20:21 UTC

Considering that developing guys from the minor league level to the majors has been an issue as long as I've been a fan, and we have some real potential bangers going into next season, if his real passion and gift is taking guys from AAA to the majors it could work out really well.

I want to see what his coaching staff looks like. If he has bench and bullpen coaches with substantial experience he can lean on them for those decisions, but the development of players is what I think managers may contribute the most.

3. u/rewardingsnark · 2026-11-03 20:38 UTC

Hopefully works out, given the Mariners track record of 0% anything working highly unlikely

4. u/RysloVerik · 2026-11-03 20:11 UTC

But seriously, who is he?

5. u/down_by_the_shore · 2026-11-03 20:16 UTC

Kanzler? I hardly know her!

6. u/Sdog1981 · 2026-11-03 20:22 UTC

If you don't love this, then you don't love Mariners baseball

7. u/wolandjr · 2026-11-03 20:57 UTC

The Mariners are trying to find their own Blake Butera. Bold move with a win now squad.

8. u/Hungry-Job-3198 · 2026-11-03 20:07 UTC

Until the mariners are under new ownership nothing there will ever change

9. u/Queasy_Connection738 · 2026-11-03 20:07 UTC

Cheap ownership only paying for a 36 year old with no experience? Sounds like Mariners.