The Seattle Mariners have appointed Jason Kanzler, 36, as their new manager, a decision described as a "wild card" hire for the 2027 season. Kanzler steps into the role following a 76-86 record and a disappointing season under his predecessor, Dan Wilson.

Kanzler, who has a relatively short coaching career, brings experience from his three years as director of player development for the Cubs, where he managed the minor league system. Prior to that, he had a coaching stint with the Astros from 2022-23, contributing to their 2022 World Series title. In 2023, he served as assistant hitting coach, helping the Astros offense rank third in the American League with an average of 4.55 runs per game.

"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 Major League Baseball, behind the Nationals' Blake Butera. This marks the third manager Dipoto has hired in his 12 seasons with the Mariners.

Kanzler expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. "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."

He was reportedly a finalist alongside former Astros manager Joe Espada. Kanzler’s coaching path also includes time as a hitting coach for High-A Fayetteville in 2019 and a minor league hitting coordinator in 2021.

Before his coaching career, Kanzler played three minor league seasons with the Twins organization from 2013-15 after being drafted out of the University of Buffalo. He had a .249 batting average and a .720 OPS in 255 career minor league games.

The Mariners are set to begin their spring training against the Padres on February 19th.