SEATTLE -- The Mariners have found their new manager, and it’s an outside-the-box hire who will become a first-time skipper at any level.
Jason Kanzler -- a 36-year-old emerging talent in the industry, who has spent the past three seasons as the Cubs’ director of player development -- was announced as Seattle's new manager on Tuesday morning.
The club announced the hire less than one hour later.
Kanzler was among two finalists -- along with former Astros manager Joe Espada -- who went through a third and final round of interviews last week, which MLB.com first reported and were in-person at T-Mobile Park among a cadre of club officials. That included members of the ownership group, baseball and business operations, the Major League coaching staff and more, per sources.
The Mariners then transitioned into a decision-making phase between the two, which began last Thursday, ran through the weekend and into Monday.
Kanzler becomes the 22nd manager in franchise history, and the third under president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, who is entering his 12th season. Kanzler replaces Dan Wilson, whose tenure concluded after two-plus years immediately after Game 162 to one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
Kanzler is now the second-youngest manager in the Majors behind 34-year-old Nationals skipper Blake Butera, who was 33 at the time he was hired.