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Jason Kanzler hired as the 22nd manager of the Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners announce Jason Kanzler as their 22nd manager, marking the third hire of the Jerry Dipoto era. The 36‑year‑old former Astros hitting coach and ex‑Cubs farm director replaces the dismissed Dan Wilson and joins a dramatically younger coaching staff after the ouster of veteran coaches Manny Acta, Perry Hill, Kevin Seitzer, and Eric Young Jr. Kanzler, a University of Buffalo alum with playing experience for the Minnesota Twins and coaching stints in the Cape Cod League and Astros’ big‑league staff, brings leadership and a bilingual edge but no prior managerial résumé. The move aligns with Dipoto’s push for fresh perspectives from outside the organization.
Mariners Minor League Review: Arkansas Travelers
The 2026 Arkansas Travelers, Seattle Mariners' Double‑A affiliate, started the season strong (41‑28, +88 run differential) but fell to a 30‑39 second half, finishing third at 71‑67. Pitching shone thanks to Kade Anderson’s historic debut—1.06 ERA, 135 Ks, 13 walks over 93.1 innings—and Ryan Sloan’s 2.77 ERA and 55.1 IP in his second year. Power came from Lazaro Montes, whose slugging drove the lineup despite a high whiff rate. The team posted a 4.77 ERA (2nd in the Texas League) and .767 OPS (5th). With five of six Mariners‑debut players on the roster, the Travelers head into 2027 loaded with top prospects and poised to be among the league’s best.
Mariners 2026-2027 off-season tracker
The Lookout Landing tracker compiles every Seattle Mariners off‑season transaction so far. In October, Seattle claimed INF/OF Michael Toglia (Reds) and OF Grant McCray (Giants), exercised Andrés Muñoz’s option while dropping Victor Robles and Bryce Miller, and may have rehired hitting coach CJ Gillman. Both Josh Naylor and Cal Raleigh underwent offseason surgeries. In early November, the club extended Randy Arozarena’s qualifying offer, claimed RHP Isaac Mattson (Pirates), reinstated seven injured players—including Matt Brash and Luke Raley—and outrighted five to Triple‑A Tacoma. The roundup links to deeper coverage for each move.
Mariners News: Randy Arozarena, Isaac Mattson, and Cole Young
Mariners fanatics get a packed update as free agency heats up. Seattle extends a $23.15 million qualifying offer to outfielder Randy Arozarena, though he’s likely to decline and pursue a multiyear deal. The club also claims right‑hander Isaac Mattson off waivers from Pittsburgh and moves seven players off the 60‑day IL while sending five to Triple‑A Tacoma. Cole Young thanks former infield coach Perry Hill for his Gold Glove‑winning defensive leap, and legendary manager Lou Piniella lands on the Hall of Fame contemporary‑era ballot. Plus, a fan‑vote tournament kicks off and league‑wide notes include Texas’s Evan Carter surgery and Colorado’s new pitching coach.
Disciplined Cole Young is rewarded with first career Gold Glove
Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young earns his first Gold Glove, capping a season built on disciplined defensive work. Young, who refined his footwork, conditioning and hands during the off‑season, posted a league‑best 17 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) among AL second basemen and ranked eighth overall. He beat out Royals' Michael Massey and White Sox contender Chase Meidroth despite lower Outs Above Average numbers. Young credits infield coach Perry Hill’s “six Fs” of fielding and his steady routine for the award, and says the improvement will help him stay healthy through a full 162‑game schedule.
Mariners extend Qualifying Offer to Randy Arozarena
The Seattle Mariners have issued a $23.5 million qualifying offer (QO) to 31‑year‑old outfielder Randy Arozarena, the deadline’s most notable move. Arozarena’s career‑best 2026 season featured 26 home runs, 26 steals, a career‑low strikeout rate and a more balanced hitting approach. As the first Mariners QO since 2015, it gives the club a potential draft‑pick compensation if he signs elsewhere. Players have until 1 PM PT on Nov. 17 to accept or decline, while Arozarena is expected to attract multiple suitors despite the looming MLB lockout.
Mariners claim RHP Isaac Mattson, OF Grant McCray ahead of free agency opening
The Seattle Mariners add depth ahead of free‑agency day, claiming right‑hander Isaac Mattson from the Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Grant McCray from the San Francisco Giants. Mattson, a 31‑year‑old reliever with a 93‑96 mph fastball and solid secondary slider and changeup, brings a much‑needed upgrade to Seattle’s middle‑relief corps. McCray, a 25‑year‑old with elite speed, a strong arm and a 12% barrel rate, offers versatile defensive coverage but has struggled with contact, striking out 40% of his swings. Both retain minor‑league options through 2027, giving the Mariners flexibility as they trim the 40‑man roster.
Mariners News: Cole Young, Teruaki Soto, and Kevin Gausman
Cole Young earns his first Gold Glove, becoming the third Mariner to win at second base and the second under‑age‑22 winner alongside Ken Griffey Jr. The piece also notes Seattle’s managerial chatter around Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler, highlights free‑agent pitching targets LHP Tarik Skubal, RHP Kevin Gausman and Michael King, and reports that NPB star infielder Teruaki Sato is now posted for MLB negotiations. Additionally, the Padres lock in three left‑handed relievers for 2027, the Red Sox celebrate a trio of Gold Glove winners, and the Golden State Valkyries clinch the 2026 WNBA title.
Cole Young wins first career Gold Glove at second base
Cole Young clinches his first Rawlings Gold Glove at second base, marking the Seattle Mariners' 45th team award and the franchise's first at the position since Brett Boone in 2004. The 22‑year‑old outpaced White Sox’s Chase Meidroth and Royals’ Michael Massey, leading AL second basemen with 16 Defensive Runs Saved and posting a .990 fielding percentage, the third‑best in Mariners history. Young appeared in a career‑high 160 games, anchoring an otherwise shaky infield. His win makes him only the third Mariner ever to earn a Gold Glove at second base and the second under‑22 recipient, joining Ken Griffey Jr. in that elite company.
Caption’s LLog: Sunday Photo Caption Contest (11/1/26)
The Lookout Landing blog spotlights this week’s Sunday Photo Caption Contest, featuring a May 24, 2026 photo of Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley slamming his helmet after a frustrating out at Kauffman Stadium. Raley, who posted a .328/.403/.719 slash line with eight homers and a 215 wRC+ in May, became the focus of the caption challenge. The post recaps Halloween festivities, notes the end of daylight‑saving time, lists last week’s winners, and outlines contest rules—encouraging creative captions, drawings, or even equations, with winners chosen by community recs and the author’s pick.
Mariners News: Drew Rasmussen, Luis Severino, and Nick Pivetta
The offseason heats up as the Rays lock up left‑hander Drew Rasmussen with a $20 million club option—the biggest single‑season deal in franchise history. Meanwhile, the A’s drop $15 million options on Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs, sending both to free agency, and Yankees reliever Luis Severino exercises his $22 million option after a shortened 2026. The Padres retain Wandy Peralta’s $4.45 million option for a third year but let right‑hander Nick Pivetta walk. KBO infielder Roh Si‑hwan is posted for MLB negotiation, and the Yankees trim their front office staff. All moves were reported on November 1, 2026.
Mariners News: Michael Arroyo, John Olerud, and Kaima Taira
The Mariners announce CJ Gillman as their new hitting coach while awaiting a manager, and pitcher Michael Arroyo faces an elbow scope with a slated return in April 2027. Ryan Blake shares 2027 projection insights, and Kate Preusser outlines key offseason dates. Washington State honors John Olerud with a new statue, and Seattle’s pioneering female umpire Christine Wren passes at 78. League-wide moves include the Astros hiring Randy Flores as GM, the Seibu Lions posting right‑hander Kaima Taira to MLB, and the Diamondbacks targeting controllable starters amid talks for Ketel Marte. Over The Monster warns the upcoming lockout could sour offseason optimism.
Important dates for the 2027 MLB off-season
The 2027 MLB off‑season calendar kicks off after the World Series, but a potential lockout in early December could shift dates. Key milestones include free agency opening on Nov 1, the MLB Awards Show on Nov 11, and MVP announcements on Nov 12. The non‑tender deadline lands on Nov 20, followed by a possible lockout on Dec 1. Winter meetings run Dec 7‑9 in San Diego, with the Draft Lottery and Rule 5 Draft slated for Dec 8‑9. Spring training begins Feb 9, and Opening Day is set for March 25.
Mariners continue cart assembly, still seeking horse, reportedly hire CJ Gillman as hitting coach
The Seattle Mariners have added C.J. Gillman to their 2027 big‑league staff as hitting coach, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Chandler Rome and Spencer Nusbaum. Gillman, who spent 2026 as the Washington Nationals’ Director of Hitting, previously served as the Mariners’ Minor League Hitting Coordinator from 2022‑25, giving him familiarity with emerging talent like Cole Young, Colt Emerson, Lázaro Montes and Michael Arroyo. While Seattle still searches for a manager, the club hopes Gillman’s “Do Damage” philosophy will spark the same offensive jump the Nationals saw last season. Published October 30, 2026 on Lookout Landing.
Napkin Math: Too Early Projections for the 2027 Mariners
The Lookout Landing piece breaks down the Seattle Mariners' uphill battle to reach the 2027 postseason, noting the club posted a league‑low 30.1 fWAR in 2026, with only 5.5 coming from Randy Arozarena. To contend, the team must add about 15 WAR through player development and acquisitions. Analyzing the projected Opening‑Day lineup, the author estimates the top nine hitters will generate roughly 22.8 WAR—a drop from ZiPS forecasts but still enough for an eighth‑place ranking. Pitching projections total 17.1 WAR, again placing Seattle in the league’s top eight. The article highlights key uncertainties, including injuries to Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, the performance of 2½ rookies, and the role of emerging arm Kade Anderson.
Mariners News: Grant McCray, Nate Eaton, and Tsung-Che Cheng
The Mariners announce key roster moves as the offseason begins: they claim former Giants outfielder Grant McCray off waivers and decide on three team options, while staff debate Joe Espada versus Jason Kanzler for the managerial job. Across MLB, the A’s trade for outfielder Nate Eaton from Boston, the Tigers acquire infielder Tsung‑Che Cheng, and the Astros target Brewers’ Matt Kleine for their GM spot. Additional notes include Tatsuya Imai staying with Houston and Dustin May entering free agency.
Jason Kanzler or Joe Espada? A LL staff discussion on the Mariners’ managerial finalists
The Lookout Landing staff debates Seattle’s two front‑runner candidates to replace Dan Wilson: Astros coach Joe Espada and former Astros assistant Jason Kanzler. Both have been slated for in‑person interviews, according to a Seattle Times report cited by Adam Jude. Contributors note Espada’s 54 % career win rate, two AL West titles and Spanish fluency, while others argue Kanzler’s younger, tech‑savvy profile could bring fresh energy. The Slack chat also references potential alternatives from the Rays, Brewers and the Nationals’ Blake Butera, highlighting the club’s dilemma between proven experience and youthful enthusiasm. As the Mariners inch toward a decision, the staff’s varied opinions underscore the stakes of the managerial hire.
Mariners reach decisions on trio of club options
On Hot Stove day the Seattle Mariners announced they exercised relief pitcher Andrés Muñoz’s $10 million club option after a down 2026 season, while declining options on outfielder Víctor Robles ($9 million) and starter Bryce Miller ($6.075 million). Muñoz’s ERA jumped to 4.24 but he posted strong strikeout and walk rates, hinting at a bounce‑back. Robles, once a 3.2 fWAR fireball, struggled with injuries and will likely move on. Miller, after a 4.17 ERA in 2026 and a $15K buyout, faces arbitration at $3.9 million as his role wanes. The Mariners’ 40‑man roster now has eight players returning from the 60‑day IL.
Under-the-radar Mariners coaching candidates from MLB (AL/NL West)
The Lookout Landing column spotlights under‑the‑radar candidates the Seattle Mariners could tap as they overhaul their coaching staff. From the AL West, 56‑year‑old Todd Takayoshi, the Oakland A’s minor‑league hitting coordinator, brings 20+ years of player‑development experience and local Seattle ties. In the NL West, the piece highlights 33‑year‑old Nic Wilson, the Colorado Rockies’ assistant hitting coach praised for elite communication skills, and 42‑year‑old Ryley Westman, the San Diego Padres’ director of player development known for his versatile coaching background and strong rapport with young talent. The article skips the Dodgers and Astros, focusing on these three prospects as potential Mariners hires.
Mariners News: William Contreras, Tarik Skubal, and the Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch their first-ever World Series title, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 on October 28, 2026, with William Contreras hoisting the Willie Mays MVP trophy. The post‑season wrap‑up notes the Brewers' dominant run and highlights the Contreras brothers' historic impact. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are in the final stage of their managerial search, weighing Joe Espada against Jason Kanzler, with a decision expected this week. Additional league news includes the Astros interviewing Oz Ocampo for assistant GM and a debate about giving Aaron Ashby another rotation chance next season.
World Series Game Five: Open Game Thread
On Oct. 27, 2026, Tampa Bay Rays pinch‑hitter Ben Williamson (15) delivers a dramatic walk‑off single in the 12th inning of Game 4 of the World Series, prompting a celebratory Gatorade splash at Tropicana Field. The victory forces a decisive Game 5 on Oct. 28, pitting Brewers ace Jacob Misierowski against Rays left‑hander Drew Rasmussen. The thread notes broadcast details (Fox/FOX ONE, 5 p.m. PT) and fan reactions, while the author predicts a possible shift back to Milwaukee.
Under-the-radar Mariners coaching candidates from MLB (NL East)
In the second installment of his Mariners coaching deep‑dive, the author turns to NL East prospects while the AL East and NL Central battle in the World Series. He profiles three under‑the‑radar candidates: Phillies third‑base coach Anthony Contreras, a West‑coast native and former IronPigs manager now possibly available after the team hired Carlos Mendoza; Mets director of defense Tucker Frawley, a former Yale assistant known for his analytical approach to infield play; and free‑agent former Mariners infielder Matt Tuiasosopo, whose PNW roots and recent stint as a Braves minor‑league coordinator could make him a hometown fit. Each profile includes age, current role, and a player quote highlighting their coaching style.
Mariners News: Ben Williamson, Joe Espada, and Jason Kanzler
Former Ray Ben Williamson delivers a walk‑off single in the 12th inning, giving Tampa Bay a 4‑3 win over Milwaukee in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series on Oct. 27 at Tropicana Field. The victory forces a Game 5 as the Brewers look to clinch. Meanwhile, the Mariners consider ex‑Astros manager Joe Espada and Cubs player‑development director Jason Kanzler as finalists for their vacant manager role, with a decision expected by month’s end. Other notes: Twins' Jeff Hoffman faces surgery, Jorge Posada feels unwelcome with the Yankees, and the Astros release Nelson Velázquez for an Asia move.
World Series Game Four: Open Game Thread
The World Series Game Four pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 27, 2026. Richie Palacios returns to the Rays' lineup, while Griffin Jax aims to prevent a sweep. Milwaukee starts Dustin May on the mound. The game, slated for a 5 p.m. start, will air on FOX and FOX Sports One, with local radio coverage on 95.7 WDAE and WTMJ. Fans are urged to support the Rays as the series could be the final baseball action of the year amid a looming lockout.
Under-the-radar Mariners coaching candidates from MLB (AL Central)
Looking beyond the headline names of Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler, the Lookout Landing piece spotlights under‑the‑radar Mariners coaching candidates from each AL Central club. It profiles White Sox Double‑A manager Patrick Leyland (35), a former Mariner farmhand with coaching lineage, and Royals assistant director of player development Kevin Howard (45), a former Mariner minor‑leaguer linked to farm director Justin Toole and a 2001 College World Series champion. The author explains the selection criteria—coaching passion, ABCA involvement, West Coast ties, and limited loyalty to current clubs—and suggests these younger, innovative coaches could fit non‑managerial roles in Seattle.
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