The offseason has taken an unexpected turn for veteran catcher Austin Nola — and for two Major League Baseball clubs in particular.
Nola, the older brother of Phillies ace Aaron Nola, had recently agreed to a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. But just weeks later, his career is taking a sharp pivot: instead of suiting up behind the plate, he’s heading back to Seattle, this time as a bullpen coach.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale,
“Catcher Austin Nola, who signed a minor-league contract this winter with Atlanta, has been granted his release to become the Seattle Mariners’ new bullpen coach.”
While there’s been no formal announcement from the Mariners, this move effectively signals Nola’s retirement as a player. Rather than compete for a roster spot, the 34-year-old has opted to begin the next chapter of his baseball career on the coaching side.
It’s a smart hire for the Mariners, who gain a recently active catcher to mentor their pitching staff. Seattle has seen firsthand how valuable former catchers can be in leadership roles — manager Dan Wilson was one of the franchise’s most respected backstops during his playing days.
The Mariners, who came within a single run of reaching their first-ever World Series, are clearly looking for every possible edge heading into 2025. Adding Nola to the coaching staff could provide just that — an experienced, player-minded voice to help guide a bullpen that was already one of the best in the league.
Before turning their focus to key free-agent decisions, Seattle has made one of the more intriguing offseason moves — hiring a player who was just days away from spring training to help shape the next generation from the dugout instead.
