SEATTLE, Wash. — With its new manager in place, the Seattle Mariners now have to build the staff around him. The club formally introduced Jason Kanzler on Wednesday at T-Mobile Park, and team leaders say roughly half of the major league coaching jobs are still open.
Kanzler, 36, is the 22nd manager in franchise history. He comes from the Chicago Cubs, where he ran player development from 2024 through 2026 and oversaw the minor league system. Before that he spent five years with the Houston Astros, including 2022, when he was a major league coach on a World Series champion, and 2023 as assistant hitting coach.
Four members of Dan Wilson’s staff were let go once the season ended: Manny Acta (bench), Perry Hill (infield), Kevin Seitzer (hitting) and Eric Young Jr. (first base). One replacement is already lined up. CJ Gillman, who had been the club’s minor league hitting coordinator, is set to become the lead hitting coach, though Seattle has not formally announced it.
Still to come are at least one assistant hitting coach and a first-base coach who may also handle infield defense, plus likely support staff. General manager Justin Hollander and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto are leading the search alongside Kanzler, with the process picking up Thursday.
Several coaches are staying for 2027, among them pitching coach Pete Woodworth, director of pitching strategy Trent Blank, assistant pitching coach Danny Farquhar, bullpen coach Austin Nola and third-base coach Carlos Cardoza. Kanzler met with that group during his in-person interviews last week.
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