The Seattle Mariners have hired Jason Kanzler, 36, as their 22nd manager, the team announced Tuesday. Kanzler most recently served as the Chicago Cubs' director of player development for the past three seasons.
"I am thrilled to join the Mariners organization, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running," Kanzler said in a statement. "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."
Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto stated that the organization sought a manager who would challenge players to improve, and Kanzler fit that description. The Mariners experienced a regression last season, finishing with an 76-86 record after reaching the ALCS in 2025. Dipoto added, "Jason has the mindset, expertise, communication skills and intensity to help create a championship standard here in Seattle."
Prior to his tenure with the Cubs, Kanzler was a major league coach for the Houston Astros in 2022 and 2023, contributing to their 2022 World Series victory. He also held roles within the Astros' minor league system. Before his coaching career, Kanzler played as an outfielder in the Minnesota Twins organization from 2013 to 2015.