Mariners finally bring Tanner Swanson home to join coaching staff

Key Points:

• The Seattle Mariners have hired Tanner Swanson, formerly of the New York Yankees, as their new bench coach under head coach Jason Kanzler, marking a significant homecoming for the Northwest native.
• Swanson, a longtime catching development expert, has been credited with improving the Yankees' catching performance, including overseeing Jose Trevino's Gold Glove-winning season and aiding Austin Wells' strong framing metrics.
• Known for pioneering the one-knee-down catching technique since 2017, Swanson is a respected figure in baseball coaching circles and has contributed as a speaker and thought-leader for over two decades.
• Despite never playing catcher himself, Swanson's background as an infielder and his passion for all aspects of baseball, along with his ties to the Northwest and family sports involvement, make him a strong fit for the Mariners.
• Swanson brings prior bench coaching experience from his role with Great Britain's team in the World Baseball Classic and briefly managed a Yankees game in 2026, showcasing his readiness for this expanded MLB coaching role.