Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler Finalists for Mariners Manager Position

The Seattle Mariners are reportedly close to selecting a new manager, with Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler identified as the finalists for the position. Both candidates are scheduled for in-person interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Espada, who previously managed the Houston Astros, and Kanzler, the Cubs' director of player development, emerged from an initial pool of 30 to 40 candidates. The Mariners plan to announce their new manager by the end of the week, although they may consider additional candidates after the World Series.

Espada, 51, has prior managerial experience, while 36-year-old Kanzler would be taking on his first managerial role. The Mariners are looking to improve following a challenging season, and both finalists will meet with various stakeholders at T-Mobile Park during the interview process.