With the 2026 campaign over for all but two teams, most franchises are beginning to plot out how they want to approach their offseason. For teams without a manager in place, finding the right fit will be amongst their highest priorities.
The Seattle Mariners now find themselves in that position after parting ways with Dan Wilson. One year after reaching the ALCS, the Mariners missed the playoffs completely in 2026 with their 76-86 record. Now, Seattle is looking for a new voice to get the franchise back on track.
Prior to 2026, the Mariners had at least 85 wins every year since 2021. It’s clear some things need to be fixed. But with a front office willing to spend and making trades when necessary, Seattle will be a desirable landing spot for any interested manager. The idea of being the first person to lead the Mariners to the World Series in that role should be tantalizing as well.
Seattle is casting a wide net as they look to find their next leader. One option is reportedly a rising candidate in the Chicago Cubs organization.
Mariners eyeing Chicago Cubs’ Jason Kanzler
Mar 1, 2023; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros major league coach Jason Kanzler (41) is struck out against the Boston Red Sox to finish the game during the eighth inning at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
A pair of former MLB managers in Joe Espada and Rocco Baldelli are amongst the Mariners’ top targets. Alongside them is current Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler, via Patrick Mooney, Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.
“In their ongoing search for a new manager, the Seattle Mariners have identified a group of candidates that includes an outside-the-box option in Chicago Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler, plus former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada and Los Angeles Dodgers special assistant Rocco Baldelli, according to league sources briefed on the process who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the situation candidly,” the trio wrote.
Kanzler has been in his role for the past three seasons, previously serving as a hitting coach for the Houston Astros. There, he was credited with helping improve both Jeremy Pena and Alex Bregman. His presence in Chicago only helped the Cubs when Bregman became a free agent.
Without any managing experience, Kanzler may be viewed as an unconventional option. But the Mariners are at least impressed with what the current director of player development brings to the diamond.
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