This is the first time Kanzler has managed at any level other than at the high school level. Kanzler, 36, spent the past three seasons as the Director of the Player Development for the Chicago Cubs.
Prior to joining the Cubs, Kanzler had spent five seasons with the Houston Astros organization including two seasons as part of the big-league coaching staff under the tutelage of Dusty Baker. Kanzler would earn a World Series ring while with the Astros in 2022. He beat out Joe Espada, who was Baker's successor in Houston despite reaching the post-season with a .500 club.
Of further note, Kanzler also spent three seasons as a minor league outfielder with the Minnesota Twins organization.
Kanzler succeeds Dan Wilson who was let go at the end of the season when he could not lead the team to replicate its success in 2025 when they went to the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Can the Mariners rebound under a fresh face in 2027 in a relatively weak AL West? Or will Kanzler be expected to lead a rebuild of the team?
As with most first time MLB managers, Kanzler is an unknown quantity. But this is especially true in Kanzler who has never previously managed at the professional level. In some ways, Kanzler is as risky a hire as the San Francisco Giants hiring collegiate coach Tony Vitello. Thus far, Buster Posey's hire hasn't paid dividends, but next season need not be this season.
Unlike Vitello, Kanzler has spent time in a big-league dugout and knows the thrill of a World Series triumph. In which case, let's keep our minds open.
No comments:
Post a Comment