The Seattle Mariners have narrowed their managerial search to two finalists: Jason Kanzler and Joe Espada, according to a staff discussion published Thursday.
Kanzler, 41, served as a major league coach for the Houston Astros during their 2022 playoff run. He was photographed fist-bumping designated hitter Yordan Alvarez before Game 1 of the ALDS against the Mariners at Minute Maid Park on October 11, 2022.
Espada, currently the Astros' bench coach, has been widely considered a leading managerial candidate across MLB for several seasons.
The analysis comes from a Lookout Landing staff roundtable examining the qualifications and fit of each candidate for the Mariners' vacancy.
