The Seattle Mariners have narrowed their managerial search to two finalists: Houston Astros coach Jason Kanzler and Astros bench coach Joe Espada, according to a staff discussion published Thursday.
Kanzler, 41, has been on the Astros' major league staff since 2022 and was photographed fist-bumping designated hitter Yordan Alvarez before Game 1 of the ALDS against the Mariners on Oct. 11, 2022. Espada, a longtime coach, has served as Houston's bench coach since 2018.
The Mariners have been without a permanent manager since the end of the 2026 season. The club's front office is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks.
