Mariners interviewing Joe Espada, Jason Kanzler for manager
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli withdrew from consideration for the Mariners' managerial position due to family reasons, despite being a frontrunner with seven years of managerial experience and multiple AL Central titles.
- The Mariners are conducting in-person interviews this week with candidates Luis Rojas Espada and Matt Kanzler, involving extensive meetings with ownership, front office, and retained coaching staff, marking their third round of interviews.
- Espada, recently let go by the Astros after three years as manager, and Kanzler, the Cubs' farm system head with no prior managerial experience but praised for his communication skills, are the leading candidates.
- Mariners president Jerry Dipoto emphasized that prior Major League managing experience is preferred but not required, reflecting the organization's openness to unconventional hires.
- Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, despite local ties and previous time with Seattle's coaching staff, has committed to returning to Cleveland, and the Mariners have not pursued him as a candidate.
