The Seattle Mariners have finalized their major-league coaching staff for the 2026 season. The focus is clear: stick with what worked in 2025, but mix in some fresh perspectives where it matters most.
Under second-year manager Dan Wilson, Seattle is betting on continuity. They’re keeping the core group of respected instructors, but have added three new coaches to sharpen strategy, player development, and game execution.
Dan Wilson’s Second Full Season: Stability with a Purpose
Dan Wilson heads into his second full year as manager. He finally has something every skipper wants: real organizational alignment.
The Mariners didn’t overhaul much after a strong 2025. Instead, they doubled down on the structure that got them close.
With Wilson back in charge, Seattle keeps a steady message from the manager’s office to the bullpen and batting cage. That kind of consistency matters for a club still chasing real postseason success.
Core Coaching Staff Returns for 2026
The Mariners’ choice to keep most of their staff shows faith in their current process. Key figures from 2025 are back, especially in hitting, pitching, and defense.
Among the returning coaches:
On the pitching side, the Mariners stick with their trusted group:
Seattle’s attention to defense and baserunning hasn’t slipped either:
New Faces in Key Roles: Cardoza, McKinley, and Nola
Continuity leads the story, but the Mariners aren’t standing pat. Three new coaches join for 2026, each bringing something different to the table.
Carlos Cardoza Takes Over at Third Base
Carlos Cardoza steps in as third base coach, replacing Kristopher Negron. This is Cardoza’s first major-league coaching gig, but he’s got 11 years of pro coaching experience.
Cardoza will do more than just wave runners home. He’ll help with positioning, bunt defense, situational offense, and serve as an on-field extension of the manager’s vision.
Jake McKinley Becomes Major-League Field Coordinator
Jake McKinley takes over as major-league field coordinator, replacing Louis Boyd. McKinley’s been a head coach at Nevada-Reno and a respected player development exec.
He’ll help sync up practice design, defensive schemes, and standards at the big-league level. The goal? Make sure every drill and meeting fits the Mariners’ long-term plan.
Austin Nola Joins as Bullpen Coach
Austin Nola might be the most interesting addition, jumping straight from playing to coaching as bullpen coach. The recently retired catcher spent parts of six MLB seasons with the Mariners and Padres.
Nola’s catching background is huge. He’s handled big-league staffs, knows pitch sequencing, and understands the daily grind behind the plate. That experience should matter in the bullpen, where trust and preparation count for a lot.
Jerry Dipoto’s Vision for 2026 and Beyond
Mariners president Jerry Dipoto praised the new hires for their leadership and baseball IQ. He believes they can elevate the club in 2026.
The front office sees this coaching staff as a real competitive advantage. They’re not just a supporting cast anymore.
Seattle is mixing long-tenured voices like Martinez, Woodworth, Acta, and Hill with newer minds such as Cardoza, McKinley, and Nola. This blend creates a staff that’s ready for both present contention and future growth.
For a franchise aiming to build on a strong 2025, the 2026 coaching group feels like a bold, layered move. It’s a step forward, and honestly, you can sense the intention behind it.
Here is the source article for this story: Here’s who will be on Mariners’ 2026 coaching staff
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