Seattle Mariners Expected to Make Managerial Decision in Coming Days

The Seattle Mariners could be hours away from announcing their next manager.

The Mariners hosted former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada and current Chicago Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler for interviews in Seattle this week for in-person interviews.

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According to a report from MLB.com's Daniel Kramer, those two interviews were considered "finalist" talks.

Per Kramer, there's a "slim possibility" Seattle talks to personnel from either the Milwaukee Brewers or Tampa Bay Rays, who concluded the World Series on Wednesday with the Brewers winning their first championship in franchise history.

However, talking to candidates from either side would restart the interview process, per Kramer's report, which would put the Mariners at a timeline close to or past when they want a manager in place, which would be by MLB general manager meetings from Nov. 10-12.

Given this fact, it's a strong probability that either Espada or Kanzler will be hired. And according to the report, that decision could happen in a matter of hours.

Per Kramer, the hire could be made as soon as Thursday, but could extend to the week. The "tentative plan" is to introduce either Espada or Kanzler as the official manager in a news conference early next week.

Former Houston Astros hitting coach Jason Kanzler poses for a picture at the team's media day Feb. 23, 2023, at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fla. | Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports

It was reported at the beginning of the week that the M's could be considering mystery candidates in addition to Espada and Kanzler, but that's no longer the case, per the report.

Espada's Resume

Espada has served as the manager for Houston the last three seasons, leading the team to the American League West title in 2024 and 2026. He was previously with the team as the bench coach from 2017-2023, which included a World Series title in 2022.

Espada, who had a 256-229 record in his three seasons as skipper, didn't have his contract renewed by the Astros at the end of the season.

Kanzler's Resume

Kanzler was hired by Houston's organization as a minor league hitting instructor prior to the 2019 season and was promoted to the major league hitting coach ahead of the championship-winning '22 season.

Kanzler's been in his current role overseeing Chicago's farm system for three seasons.

Could the Mariners hire both?

Given the pair's familiarity and success while on the same coaching staff, there's been speculation the Mariners could hire both, with Kanzler potentially serving as bench coach with Espada as manager (or vice versa). Former bench coach Manny Acta was among the coaches Seattle fired this offseason following the news that Dan Wilson would not be returning as the team's skipper.

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