Mariners Hire Cubs Executive Jason Kanzler, 36, as New Manager

The Seattle Mariners named Jason Kanzler, the Chicago Cubs’ director of player development, as their manager Tuesday, CBS Sports and ESPN reported. Kanzler is 36 and has no managerial experience at any level, both outlets reported.

He replaces Dan Wilson, who was fired after the 2026 season, according to both outlets. ESPN reported Kanzler is a former outfielder drafted in 2013 who was in the Houston Astros system for five years, two of them as a major league coach, before the Cubs hired him in 2024. CBS Sports reported he was an Astros assistant hitting coach in 2023. Both reported that former Astros manager Joe Espada was also reportedly a finalist.

ESPN reported Seattle finished 76-86 in 2026 and missed the playoffs, five games behind Houston in the AL West, a year after getting to a seventh game in the 2025 American League Championship Series. CBS Sports reported Kanzler is Jerry Dipoto’s third manager since Dipoto took over baseball operations in 2015.

Dipoto praised Kanzler’s mindset and communication skills, ESPN reported. Kanzler said he was “thrilled to join the Mariners organization,” CBS Sports reported.