Seattle Mariners successfully steal next manager from Chicago Cubs

Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners successfully steal next manager from Chicago Cubs

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Nov 4, 2026 5:22 PM ET

As teams begin their offseason planning, there will be countless changes for every MLB franchise. That includes the Chicago Cubs, who are at a bit of a crossroads.

The franchise has made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. However, they were quickly swept in the Wild Card round in their most recent campaign. Furthermore, they watched as their NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers won their first World Series.

Chicago has the makings of a team ready to compete. Led by MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs led MLB with 850 runs scored during the regular season. How they maintain that offense success while improving their pitching department will determine how far the franchise can go.

But the Cubs will have one less decision maker in the room when they craft their 2027 roster. The Seattle Mariners have turned to Chicago for their next manager.

Chicago Cubs lose Jason Kanzler

Jul 31, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; General view as fans enter the stadium before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The Mariners are set to hire Jason Kanzler as their next manager, via Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. He had been serving as the Cubs director of player development for the past three seasons.

“I am thrilled to join the Mariners organization, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running,” Kanzler said in a statement. “This team has an immense amount of talent in all facets of the game, and my coaching staff and I are excited to access and unlock this team’s full potential.”

Kanzler doesn’t have MLB managerial experience and is now the second-youngest manager in all of baseball. But during his time with the Cubs, Kanzler clearly had an eye for talent and new how to develop it.

With the Mariners, the new manager will have his work cut out for him. Seattle missed the playoffs in 2026 with their 76-86 record. But a year prior, they made the Championship Series and were one game away from advancing to the World Series. There is still talent across the roster.

Kanzler will now shift his focus to leading the Mariners. As for the Cubs, they now have big shoes to fill in their organization.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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