The Seattle Mariners named their new manager on Tuesday, and their decision was somewhat surprising.
Down to two finalists, the Mariners picked Jason Kanzler over former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada,
Kanzler, 36, has no previous managing experience and becomes MLB's second-youngest manager behind Blake Butera of the Washington Nationals, who's 34. He spent the past three seasons as the Chicago Cubs' director of player development.
Prior to that, he spent five years in the Astros' organization, including two as an MLB hitting coach.
Kanzler replaces Dan Wilson, who helmed the Mariners for the previous two-plus seasons. Seattle is hopeful his hitting background can help improve an offense that ranked 28th in runs per game last season.
Kanzler will try to get the Mariners back on track after a disappointing season where they went 76-86 and missed the playoffs.