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Mariners swipe longtime Yankees coordinator Tanner Swanson as bench coach
Tanner Swanson is leaving the New York Yankees to become the Seattle Mariners’ bench coach, joining new manager Jason Kanzler. The move gives Seattle a coach with a strong record of developing catchers and expertise in an area where the Yankees have excelled.
Swanson had been the Yankees’ catching coordinator since November 2019, later taking on the additional role of major league field coordinator. During his seven seasons with the club, the Yankees led Major League Baseball in several catcher-framing measures, including catcher framing runs. Catchers he helped develop include Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra, while several others went on to earn playing time elsewhere; Swanson’s contract with the Yankees was expiring.
In short
- Tanner Swanson is joining Seattle as bench coach.
- He helped the Yankees lead MLB in catcher-framing metrics.
- He will work under new Mariners manager Jason Kanzler.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Seattle’s appointment could strengthen a key part of its coaching staff: Swanson has helped develop catchers, and the Yankees led the league in several framing measures during his tenure. Bringing that expertise to a new manager may help Mariners catchers improve and give the team a competitive edge.
The case against
The Yankees are losing a coach with a strong record in an area where the club has excelled, along with experience as a major league field coordinator. His departure may disrupt continuity in the Yankees’ catcher-development work, while Seattle’s appointment alone does not guarantee that Swanson’s results will transfer to a new staff and roster.