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Mariners make Jason Kanzler their new manager in shocking hire
Developing story first seen 4 hours ago
Seattle have appointed 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as manager for the 2027 season, despite his having no managerial experience at any level. The hire marks a sharp change in direction as the Mariners seek to recover from a disappointing campaign.
Kanzler spent the past three years leading player development for the Cubs and previously coached in Houston, including as the Astros’ assistant hitting coach in 2023, when they averaged 4.55 runs per game, third in the American League. He replaces Dan Wilson, whose Mariners finished 76-86 after winning the AL West the previous year; Kanzler will be the club’s 22nd manager and the second-youngest in MLB.
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In short
- Seattle named Jason Kanzler manager for 2027.
- He has no experience managing a team.
- He replaces Dan Wilson after a 76-86 season.
How this story developed
- 1 hour ago Seattle have appointed Jason Kanzler as manager for the 2027 season, despite his having no previous experience managing a team at any level. The 36-year-old’s appointment gives the Mariners a relatively inexperienced leader as they seek to improve after a disappointing campaign.
- 2 hours ago Seattle have appointed 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as manager for the 2027 season, despite his having no managerial experience at any level. The hire marks a sharp change in direction as the Mariners seek to recover from a disappointing campaign.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Seattle can argue that Kanzler’s work in player development and coaching gives him relevant experience, even without having managed a team. His time with Houston’s hitting staff and the Cubs suggests he may bring fresh ideas and a strong grasp of how to develop players, while the appointment signals a willingness to look beyond conventional managerial résumés.
The case against
The Mariners can reasonably be questioned for entrusting a team seeking to rebound to someone who has never managed at any level. Managing involves decisions and leadership demands that differ from coaching or player development, and after replacing a manager whose team recently won the division, Seattle may have taken a gamble without a proven record in the role.
Explained simply
The Seattle Mariners are a Major League Baseball team in the American League (AL), one of the sport’s two main leagues. A manager leads the team’s on-field decisions and works with coaches and players through the season.
Jason Kanzler has worked in player development with the Chicago Cubs and coached for the Houston Astros, but has not previously managed a team. He takes over from Dan Wilson after Seattle’s record fell from a division-winning season to 76 wins and 86 defeats.
The Mariners compete in the AL West, a division whose title can help a team reach the play-offs. Kanzler’s appointment puts an inexperienced manager in charge as Seattle seeks to improve its results.
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