From FOX 13 Seattle · Curtis Crabtree · · 2m
Seattle Mariners hire Jason Kanzler as new manager
Seattle Mariners pick Jason Kanzler, a 36-year-old with no managerial experience, to lead team's reset after first losing season in six years.
In brief
Seattle Mariners pick Jason Kanzler, a 36-year-old with no managerial experience, to lead team's reset after first losing season in six years. Seattle Mariners appointed Jason Kanzler as their new manager after a 30-day search for someone outside the organization to reset the team following its first losing season in…
Seattle Mariners introduce new manager
Seattle Mariners held an introductory press conference for Jason Kanzler on Wednesday, the newly-announced manager for the team.
Kanzler named 22nd manager
The Mariners introduced Jason Kanzler as the 22nd manager in franchise history, entrusting him with leading the organization’s reset after its first losing season in six years.
Kanzler has no managerial experience
Jason Kanzler, 36, has never managed professionally, but Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander said Kanzler’s communication skills and developmental experience outweighed concerns about his résumé.
Kanzler's background
Kanzler was a 20th-round draft pick out of the University of Buffalo by the Minnesota Twins in 2013. He spent three seasons in A-ball for the Twins before retiring as a player.
Kanzler's coaching roles
After a stint as a high school teacher in Texas, Kanzler was hired as a minor league hitting coach by the Houston Astros in 2019.
Dipoto and Hollander's reasoning
Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander said Kanzler blew them away to such an extent that it outweighed the experience factor.
Dipoto's search process
The process was lengthy, taking 30 days-plus in the making. It was rigorous, with conversations around the league and a long list of candidates that were narrowed down multiple times.
Kanzler's vision for the team
Kanzler said he wants to win, develop players, and achieve something with a collective and a great group of people around him.
Kanzler's team atmosphere
Kanzler described the Seattle Mariners' atmosphere as electric, comparing it to the Houston Astros' 'Electric Factory' and saying he wants to ride the lightning with this team and city.
Kanzler's approach to identity
Kanzler believes the team's identity will evolve organically over time, but he wants to win through doing the big things right and all the little things right all the time.
Kanzler's leadership philosophy
Kanzler emphasized that culture means not doing the wrong things as much as humanly possible, and what they allow is what they stand for.
Kanzler takes over for Dan Wilson
Kanzler takes over for Dan Wilson, who was not retained after the season.
The takeaway
Seattle Mariners appointed Jason Kanzler as their new manager after a 30-day search for someone outside the organization to reset the team following its first losing season in six years.
