Unexpected Chicago Cubs Name Jason Kanzler Enters Seattle Mariners Manager Search

Jason Kanzler is the Chicago Cubs' director of player development and is one of three known finalists for the Mariners' managerial vacancy. He previously worked with the Houston Astros as a minor-league hitting coordinator starting in 2019 and later served as their assistant hitting coach in 2023.

Along with Jason Kanzler, the Mariners are also considering former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada and Los Angeles Dodgers special assistant Rocco Baldelli. Espada managed the Astros from 2024-26 and has 13 years of MLB coaching experience, while Baldelli managed the Minnesota Twins from 2019-25.

The Mariners decided not to bring back Dan Wilson after the team missed the playoffs and finished with a 76-86 record. The organization moved on from Wilson heading into the 2027 season.

Kanzler developed a strong relationship with Alex Bregman during their time together in Houston, and he helped lead the Cubs' presentation to Bregman as a free agent. That effort contributed to Bregman signing a five-year, $175 million contract with Chicago last winter.

If Kanzler takes the Mariners job, the Cubs would need to shuffle their front office to fill the director of player development role. The organization has already been making changes, including poaching Steve Miller from the Tampa Bay Rays to serve as their new international scouting director.