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“Has Never Managed at Any Level”: Ken Rosenthal Flags the Risk Mariners Are Taking With Jason Kanzler

Jerry Dipoto’s knack for appointing inexperienced managers brought Jason Kanzler to the Seattle Mariners. At 36, Kanzler had no playing experience in the big leagues, nor had he ever managed a team. While the organization has opted to trust Kanzler’s…

By Srijanee Chakraborty · Essentially Sports

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 2:03 AM

Key Things to Know

Ken Rosenthal labeled the Seattle Mariners' hiring of Jason Kanzler as manager a big risk due to inexperience.
Jason Kanzler has never managed at any level in professional baseball and has no Major League playing experience.
Mariners President Jerry Dipoto previously hired first-time managers Scott Servais and Dan Wilson.

The Story in 60 Seconds

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal criticized the Seattle Mariners' decision to hire Jason Kanzler as their manager, describing it as a major risk due to Kanzler having zero prior managerial experience. Rosenthal noted on Foul Territory that Seattle President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto has previously appointed first-time managers Scott Servais and Dan Wilson, making Kanzler Dipoto's third consecutive managerial hire lacking prior dugout-management experience.

The 36-year-old Kanzler previously served as the Chicago Cubs' director of player development and worked on the Houston Astros' coaching staff. Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander defended the decision, citing Kanzler's analytical expertise, communication skills, and player development record following Dan Wilson's departure after a 76-86 season.

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