Former Padres catcher nixes Braves deal for new chapter with Mariners

There has been a lot of wild coaching changes in Major League Baseball this offseason.

The San Diego Padres replaced the very experienced Mike Shildt with the completely inexperienced Craig Stammen. The San Francisco Giants hired Tony Vitello straight out of college to take over as their manager. And the Washington Nationals hired a 33-year-old to run their dugout.

By comparison, the Seattle Mariners' latest coaching staff decision isn't likely to generate many headlines. Still, it's a fun end to a wild ride for Austin Nola, as the former Padres catcher will be heading back to the Pacific Northwest to serve as the Mariners' bullpen coach.

Austin Nola retires after six MLB seasons to join Mariners coaching staff

Most Padres fans will remember Nola as the team's starting backstop during the magical 2022 season, and he was a reliable presence during his entire tenure in San Diego.

Originally acquired in the ill-fated Andres Muñoz deal with the Mariners in 2020, Nola was a steadying force behind and at the plate with the Padres. In 237 games with the Friars, he hit .234/.314/.320 and was worth 2.6 bWAR. He didn't quite live up to the offensive explosion he showed during his rookie season in Seattle, though he was a strong defender and game-caller who currently holds the record for the most innings caught in a single postseason in franchise history.

Unfortunately, injuries sapped his effectiveness in 2023 and Nola was released after the season. He spent 2024 in Triple-A with Kansas City’s affiliate before an ugly comeback attempt with the Colorado Rockies in 2025. The Atlanta Braves then signed him to a minor-league deal at the start of the offseason, but Nola clearly decided that his playing days were in the rearview mirror. He officially retires at 35 years old.

As far as cushy landings spots go, Seattle is a hard one for Nola to complain about. He had the most productive seasons of his career there, brought back the team's current All-Star closer in a trade, and is now returning to coach Muñoz and company in the bullpen.

Plus, the Mariners just made it to the ALCS and were one George Springer home run away from making their first World Series appearance in franchise history. Nola's only postseason appearances during his playing days came with the Padres, so if he has his sights set on some October glory during the coaching phase of his career, he probably picked the right spot... besides San Diego, of course.