SportsWednesday, November 4
Penfield native Jason Kanzler is the new manager of the Seattle Mariners
The Rochester Morning News team
The Mariners named Jason Kanzler their manager Tuesday. The 36-year-old Penfield High School graduate is Seattle's 22nd all-time manager, and he beat out other candidates including former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada.
Kanzler went from Buffalo outfielder to big league manager
- 2011-13Kanzler played outfield at the University at Buffalo.
- 2013He was MAC Player of the Year and a 20th-round Twins draft pick.
- 2019He moved into coaching with the Houston Astros.
- Nov. 3The Mariners named him their manager.
Sources: Spectrum News Rochester, 13WHAM-TV
He takes over a team that went 76-86 in 2026. Kanzler has not managed a club at any level.
76-86Mariners' record in 2026, their first losing season in seven years
Seattle had been one win from its first World Series berth in 2025.
Source: Spectrum News Rochester
“We all believe Jason is the right person to lead our organization back to the postseason.”
- .323 batting average across three seasons at Buffalo
- Taught high school chemistry and physics in Katy, Texas
- Most recent job: Cubs' director of player development
Sources: Spectrum News Rochester, 13WHAM-TV