The New York Yankees are reportedly losing catching coach and field coordinator Tanner Swanson to the Seattle Mariners, per ESPN's Jorge Castillo.
The Mariners recently introduced Jason Kanzler as their new manager, and Swanson is joining as his new bench coach in Seattle. The Mariners were one win away from the World Series in 2025, but missed the postseason entirely this season.
He does not have much experience and will be joining a first-time manager. It's a risky addition for the Mariners, but he has clearly done enough in seven seasons with the Yankees to prove himself in the eyes of the Mariners.
He was the bench coach or Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He is thought of very highly in the Yankees' organization, per Castillo.
"He was held in high regard within the Yankees' organization for his work with catchers, including current starting catcher Austin Wells who has established himself as a premier defensive catcher after rising through the farm system with questions about his future behind the plate," wrote Castillo.
Kanzler is hoping to lead the Mariners into a new era defined by winning, and he thinks Swanson will play a big role in that.
As for the Yankees, it's a big loss. They will have to find a way to replace his presence and could look to promote from within.