“Already Scared of Them” – Fans Call Out New Mariners Skipper Jason Kanzler for Making Astros Animosity a Talking Point in Seattle

The Seattle Mariners introduced Jason Kanzler as their new manager at T-Mobile Park, where he is set to lead the team into the 2027 campaign. The position opened after Seattle fired former skipper Dan Wilson on the final day of the regular season, citing the team’s 76-86 record and failure to make the playoffs. At 36, Kanzler becomes the franchise’s 22nd manager, facing a tough AL West that includes the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, and the LA Angels. A former Houston hitting coach, Kanzler was with the Astros when they won the 2022 Fall Classic. At his introductory press conference, he called Houston “the team that shall not be named” while reflecting on his 2022 trip to Seattle. This prompted social media reactions, with many fans saying that Seattle’s new skipper already seemed afraid of his AL West rivals. Watch the video here: Here are some fan reactions: “That’s the behavior of someone who’s already scared of them,” one fan commented. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2013, Kanzler played three minor-league seasons in their system and later coached in the Astros’ minor-league system before spending the past three seasons as the Chicago Cubs’ player development director. Before coaching professionally, he taught high school physics and chemistry in Houston, a role he views as similar to developing major-league players. Jason Kanzler is Thrilled to Work in Seattle Speaking at the introductory press conference , Kanzler shared his excitement about working with the Mariners next season. He said that he was the right man for the job and was thrilled to work with every player and every member of the coaching staff, from the clubhouse to the field, to get the best out of them. “I’m the right man because I believe that every player and every person can be better. And I think these players so deeply want to be better and to grow and to win as a unit. And I’m excited to get that out of them,” Kanzler said. With Kanzler stepping in as the franchise’s new skipper, Seattle will now fill its remaining coaching vacancies and revamp the roster this offseason, aiming for a deep postseason run in 2027. Also read: “We Won’t Be Making Playoffs for Another Decade” – Mariners Fans Sound Off on Seattle Hiring Jason Kanzler as New Skipper “I Felt Horribly if I Slandered the Yankees” – Brewers Skipper Walks Back His Dig at NY After Apologizing to Brian Cashman College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis , college football , men’s college basketball , women’s college basketball , and college baseball !