The Seattle Mariners will retain their entire field staff from 2022, make a slight change to Trent Blank’s role and bring in Stephen Vogt.
They often say continuity is a key to having success in professional sports. The Seattle Mariners certainly seem to have taken this on board, after announcing their Major League coaching staff for the 2023 season.
Scott Servais will return for his eight season as manager, with 2022 notable for him helping end the Mariners’ 21-year playoff drought. He also surpassed 500 wins with Seattle and is second all-time in franchise history behind a certain Lou Piniella, who has 840 victories.
Keeping with the theme of continuity, the M’s are bringing back their entire field staff from last year. Returning in the same roles are:
- Manny Acta (Third Base Coach)
- Tony Arnerich (Hitting Coach)
- Jarret DeHart (Hitting Coach, Director of Hitting Strategy)
- Perry Hill (Infield Coach)
- Kristopher Negron (First Base Coach)
- Carson Vitale (Major League Field Coordinator)
- Pete Woodworth (Pitching Coach)
Trent Blank served as Bullpen Coach last year. For the upcoming season he will be Major League Coach and Director of Pitching Strategy.
Welcome to Vogt
The one new addition to the coaching staff is recently-retired Stephen Vogt. He played 10 years in the Majors with six different clubs, seeing time as a catcher, first baseman and designated hitter.
Vogt’s career highlights include being named an All-Star with the Oakland Athletics in 2015 and 2016, while also winning the World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. He will become the Mariners’ Bullpen and Quality Control Coach.
The 38-year-old has long been viewed as someone with the potential to become a manager and he will take his first step in Seattle. As per the Associated Press via ESPN, he said:
“I am beyond excited to be joining the Mariners’ organization and major league coaching staff. This next chapter of my career is one I am ready for and thrilled to be beginning in Seattle.”
As well as the official field staff, the Mariners bring back Nasusel Cabrera and Fleming Baez as Batting Practice Catcher and Bullpen Catcher respectively. The staff is rounded out by Justin Novak, who returns to the organization after a year away, as a second Bullpen Catcher.
Servais thrilled with the coaching staff
Servais shared his thoughts about the coaching staff for the upcoming season. Speaking to the media, he said:
“I’m thrilled that we’re able to return our entire coaching staff for the 2023 season. Our coaches did a tremendous job helping our players improve and prepare every day in 2022, and they deserve a lot of credit for the success we had.
“With the addition of Stephen Vogt and a new role for Trent in 2023, we are well equipped to build on the winning foundation we have established here. I love working with this group, and I can’t wait to get rolling again at Spring Training.”
President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto also spoke to the media about the coaching staff. He said:
“2022 saw our organization make a real breakthrough and our Major League staff deserves a lot of credit for the work they’ve done along the way. As such, we begin 2023 with a return engagement for the entire 2022 Major League staff, plus one exciting addition as we welcome Steven Vogt to the staff.
“As we continue to evolve as a team, we will be fortunate to do it with what I truly believe is one of the top coaching staffs in MLB. Our staff continues to feature a wonderful combination of leadership, expertise, creativity, and energy that contributes to what has become a winning environment.”
Focusing on Servais specifically, what is your opinion of him? How confident are you that he can lead the Mariners to the World Series? Let us know in the comments section below.
