Seattle’s search for a new manager is advancing, with Jason Kanzler, Joe Espada and Rocco Baldelli among the candidates. Kanzler would be an unconventional choice: He’s 36 and has developed through coaching and player-development roles, while Espada and Baldelli have managed in the majors.

By the Numbers
  • Kanzler, 36, was drafted in 2013 and reached High-A in 2015.
  • He joined the Astros’ major league coaching staff in 2022 and became assistant hitting coach in 2023.
  • Baldelli managed the Twins from 2019 to 2025; Espada managed the Astros for three years.
Yes, But

Kanzler brings less managerial experience than the other reported candidates, but Seattle’s president of baseball operations has also signaled interest in fresh ideas. The team had considered Torey Lovullo, who has since agreed to stay with Arizona.

State of Play
  • The Mariners parted ways with Dan Wilson last month.
  • The search is described as advanced, and Kanzler, Espada and Baldelli are among the candidates—not the full list.
  • Kanzler is the Cubs’ director of player development; Baldelli joined the Dodgers as a special assistant in December.
Bottom Line

Seattle appears to be weighing proven major league managers against a less conventional candidate with player-development experience and a potentially fresh approach.