The Seattle Mariners have officially confirmed the hiring of Jason Kanzler as their new manager. This decision comes after the team’s decision to part ways with Dan Wilson following a challenging season.

Managerial Background

Jason Kanzler, who steps into this role at 36 years old, will be the second-youngest manager currently in Major League Baseball, following Blake Butera of the Nationals. Kanzler’s previous experience includes serving as a minor league hitting coach in the Houston Astros system from 2019 to 2021, and he was part of the Astros’ major league staff in both 2022 and 2023. Since 2024, he has held the position of director of player development with the Chicago Cubs.

Comments from Leadership

Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, expressed his confidence in Kanzler’s abilities, stating, “Our goal in this process was finding a manager with the ability to challenge all of us to improve. Jason has the mindset, expertise, communication skills, and intensity to help create a championship standard here in Seattle.”

Kanzler’s Vision

In his statement, Kanzler expressed enthusiasm about joining the Mariners, stating, “I am thrilled to join the Mariners organization and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running. 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.”

Selection Process

In the search for a new manager, the Mariners initially considered a list of 30 to 40 candidates, according to reports from Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. This list was narrowed down to Kanzler and former Astros manager Joe Espada last week. Additionally, candidates like Jeff Banister from the Diamondbacks, A.J. Ellis from the Padres, and Walker McKinven of the White Sox were interviewed but did not make the final cut.

The Mariners’ Recent Performance

The Mariners had a successful 2025 season, winning 90 games and taking the American League West title before reaching the AL Championship Series. Unfortunately, the following season was underwhelming, with the team finishing 10 games below .500. As they move into the upcoming season, Kanzler’s primary objective will be to rejuvenate the roster and restore competitiveness in a division that remains winnable.