Austin Nola Appointed as Mariners’ New Bullpen Coach
According to reports from USA Today, catcher Austin Nola has been appointed as the new bullpen coach for the Seattle Mariners. He will be leaving the minor league contract he signed with the Atlanta Braves last month. This coaching position marks a significant transition in Nola’s career, as he appears to be closing the chapter on his playing days after six seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Austin Nola’s Career Overview
Nola was originally drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2012. He spent seven seasons in their minor league system but did not make it to the majors with them. In 2019, he signed a minor league contract with the Mariners, making his MLB debut later that year. During his first MLB season, Nola displayed versatility, playing as a catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, and right fielder. He performed well, registering a .269 batting average across 79 games.
Trade to the Padres
In 2020, Nola was traded to the San Diego Padres in a seven-player deal that included reliever Andrés Muñoz returning to Seattle. Nola contributed solid performances for the Padres, achieving a wRC+ of 101 over 56 games in 2021, predominantly as a catcher.
Peak Performance
By 2022, he became the Padres’ primary catcher, setting personal bests with 110 games played and 397 plate appearances, while achieving a .649 on-base plus slugging (OPS). However, 2023 was challenging for Nola; he hit only .146 over 52 games and ended up in Triple-A.
- Nola spent time with Kansas City’s minor league system in 2024.
- He joined the Colorado Rockies for the 2023 season, appearing in 41 at-bats.
- Nola was designated for assignment and removed from the 40-man roster in August.
Career Stats
Throughout his MLB career, if this season marks the end of his playing days, Nola will leave with impressive statistics:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .247 |
| On-base Percentage | .323 |
| Slugging Percentage | .364 |
| Home Runs | 24 |
| Stolen Bases | 3 |
Coaching Transition
As the Mariners prepare to announce Nola’s hiring officially, they have not yet disclosed details regarding his predecessor, Tony Arnerich. Arnerich served as the bullpen coach and catching instructor last season after transitioning from hitting coach in 2022. The Mariners have not provided any updates on potential changes to their coaching staff.
Nola’s move to coaching could signal a new direction for his professional journey, providing an opportunity to nurture future talent within the Mariners’ organization.
