MINOR LEAGUE MANAGER OFTHEYEAR ZACH VINCEJ, MODESTO

Zach Vincej led Modesto to back-to-back California League championships with teams brimming with top Mariners talent

- SHANE LANTZ

Two seasons into his managerial career, Zach Vincej is already starting to compile an intriguing résumé.

Vincej led the Mariners’ Low-A Modesto affiliate to its second consecutive California League championship in 2024.

The Nuts went 73-57 and had the best run differential in the league, built by big performances from some of Seattle’s most exciting young prospects.

At just 33 years old, Vincej is already being recognized around the industry as one of the best young managers out there.

His Cal League peers took note, voting him best manager prospect in annual Best Tools voting by Baseball America. Now, he is the BA Minor League Manager of the Year.

“What a great honor,” Vincej said. “You know, I think of it more as an (organizational) award for me, because all the resources, all the guidance that I’ve gotten from the Mariners, it’s been incredible.

“To have an award like this, it shows that the hard work is paying off, but it’s also a testament to my staff, and how great my players are at the same time.”