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MarinersThursday, November 12

Mariners hire Jason Kanzler as manager, and fans are cautiously optimistic

The SEAtoday teamFrom Thursday’s edition · 1 min read · 4 sources

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If you're still getting to know the Mariners' next manager, meet Jason Kanzler. He takes over after Hall of Famer Dan Wilson announced in September that he was stepping down. General manager Justin Hollander said Kanzler gave perhaps the most impressive interview he had ever been a part of.

Kanzler is the third straight Mariners hire with no managing experience

36
years old, the second-youngest manager in MLB
3
straight Mariners hires with no previous managing experience
5
candidates reportedly met with the team in person

Sources: The Spectator, MyNorthwest.com

  • Process: questionnaires, calls and Zoom meetings, then in-person visits
  • Interview: a full day in Seattle with intentionally tough exercises
  • Hollander's tenure: 10 years in the front office, four as GM
  • Fan goal: one fan expects at least an AL West title

Hollander said Kanzler's intelligence, creativity and ability to lead and communicate stood out, and his humility mattered just as much: at dinner after that day-long interview, he said, "that was hard." Seattle University student Jacob Morales was discouraged at first but warmed up after learning about Kanzler's player development background. Mike Salk called the hire "a big swing and a big risk."

Kanzler worked up from minor league coach to Cubs development director

  1. 2019Becomes a minor league hitting coach in the Astros organization
  2. 2022Joins the Astros' major league staff; Astros win the World Series
  3. Jan. 2024Cubs hire him as director of player development
  4. Sept. 2026Dan Wilson announces he's stepping down as Mariners manager

Source: The Spectator

Sources: The Spectator, MyNorthwest.com

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