SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners officially have a new field manager.
Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto announced today that they’ve hired Jason Kanzler.
He’s now the 22nd manager in club history.
“Our goal in this process was finding a manager with the ability to challenge all of us to improve,” Dipoto said. “Jason has the mindset, expertise, communication skills, and intensity to help create a championship standard here in Seattle.”
Kanzler, 36, previously was the Director of Player Development for the Chicago Cubs from 2024-26. He oversaw the organization’s minor league system, players and coaching staff.
Kanzler began his coaching career with the Houston Astros organization, where he spent 5 seasons: 2019-2023. He worked a variety of roles in the club, eventually working his way up to Major League Coach during the Astros 2022 World Series-winning season, and Assistant Hitting Coach in 2023.
Prior to his coaching career, Kanzler played 3 minor league seasons as an outfielder in the Minnesota Twins organization.
Kanzler was born in Penfield, New York and attended the University of Buffalo. He was named University of Buffalo Male Athlete of the Year and became the first player in NCAA history to win two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards.
He lives with his wife, Ashley, and their two children.
“I am thrilled to join the Mariners organization and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running,” Kanzler said. “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.”