The Seattle Mariners have found their new manager.

The team hired Jason Kanzler on Tuesday. He spent the past three seasons as the Chicago Cubs' director of player development.

Kanzler, 36, has never managed a team at any level. He replaces Dan Wilson, who was fired on the final day of the season.

Youngest in team history

Kanzler becomes the youngest full-time manager in Mariners history. Only Washington's Blake Butera is younger among current MLB managers.

President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto praised Kanzler's mindset, expertise, communication skills and intensity. He said Kanzler can help create "a championship standard here in Seattle."

General manager Justin Hollander said Kanzler showed "elite leadership skills" throughout the interview process.

From the classroom to the dugout

Kanzler was a center fielder at the University at Buffalo. He was the first player in NCAA history to win two Rawlings Gold Glove awards.

The Minnesota Twins drafted him in the 20th round in 2013. He played three minor league seasons.

After his playing days he taught chemistry and physics at a high school near Houston.

He then spent five years with the Houston Astros. He was on the big-league staff when Houston won the 2022 World Series.

With the Cubs he helped develop young players such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw.

A big letdown to fix

Seattle reached Game 7 of the ALCS in 2025 and was a popular World Series pick this year. Instead the Mariners went 76-86 and missed the playoffs.

Stars Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez struggled at the plate. The rotation also faded after the All-Star break.

"This team has an immense amount of talent in all facets of the game," Kanzler said. "My coaching staff and I are excited to access and unlock this team's full potential."

Kanzler will be introduced at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday.