- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Seattle Mariners have hired Tanner Swanson as their new bench coach, a source confirmed to ESPN on Friday.
Swanson comes over from the New York Yankees, where he served as catching coach and field coordinator since 2020. The Washington native previously spent three seasons as minor league catching coordinator with the Minnesota Twins.
He earned strong marks within the Yankees organization for developing catchers, notably helping Austin Wells grow into a premier defensive backstop after Wells entered the system with questions about his future behind the plate.
Swanson also gained managerial experience in July, serving as acting manager for a game against the Tampa Bay Rays when Aaron Boone and Brad Ausmus were both ejected. He additionally served as bench coach for Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Mariners are pairing Swanson with new manager Jason Kanzler, who was introduced Wednesday. Kanzler, 36, previously directed player development for the Chicago Cubs and has no prior managing experience at any level. He replaces Dan Wilson, who was dismissed following a difficult 2026 season.
The New York Post first reported the hiring.
Mickey's Angle: Two rookies in the dugout is a gamble, but Swanson's catching expertise should help a Seattle staff that needs steady hands behind the plate.
Source: ESPN (also reported by MLB Trade Rumors) - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.