Mariners hire hitting coach, bench coach for 2027 season

Less than a week after introducing their new manager, the Mariners are adding two more members to their coaching staff.

The Mariners announced Monday that they have brought on both Tanner Swanson and CJ Gillman to assist new manager Jason Kanzler.

Swanson, who spent seven years with the New York Yankees, will serve as the Mariners bench coach for the 2027 season.

Gillman, on the other hand, will be the Mariners’ next hitting coach. Gillman spent last year with the Washington Nationals, acting as their director of hitting.

“I am excited to have Tanner and CJ join our coaching staff,” Mariners Manager Jason Kanzler wrote in a press release. “Both individuals bring an exceptional understanding of the game and skillsets that I am confident will help maximize the talent on our roster.”

Despite Swanson and Gillman spending the previous year with teams across the country, both have ties to Washington state.

Swanson spent his years growing up in Roslyn. He then went to school at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School and Central Washington University, according to the Mariners.

Gillman rejoins the Mariners, after first becoming their minor league hitting coordinator in 2022. Gillman stayed in that position until 2025.