MLB Mariners hire 36-year-old Kanzler as new manager

The Seattle Mariners have appointed 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as their new manager, the Major League Baseball team announced on Tuesday. Kanzler, who served as player development director for the Chicago Cubs for the past three seasons, becomes the 22nd manager in Mariners history and the second-youngest manager in MLB history, following Washington's 34-year-old Blake Butera.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto stated that the team sought a manager capable of pushing all team members to enhance their performance. Kanzler, with his expertise, communication skills, and intense work ethic, is believed to provide the necessary challenge for the Mariners to aim for a championship standard.

Kanzler succeeded Dan Wilson, who was let go at the conclusion of the 2022 season after only two seasons with the Mariners, during which he posted a record of 187-171. Although Seattle had won the American League West division the previous year with an 90-72 record, they experienced a decline, finishing with a 76-86 record this season and securing the third spot in the division.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Kanzler said, "I'm thrilled to join the Mariners organization and I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running." He added, "This team possesses immense talent across all aspects of the game, and my coaching staff and I are eager to uncover and unlock the team's full potential."

Prior to his managerial role, Kanzler worked as an assistant coach for the Houston Astros in 2022, when they clinched the World Series, and in 2023 before joining the Cubs.