The Seattle Braves and Atlanta Braves have found themselves in an unusual offseason twist involving Austin Nola, the veteran catcher and brother of Phillies ace Aaron Nola.
Earlier this winter, Austin Nola signed a minor-league deal with Atlanta, but that agreement has now taken a surprising turn. Instead of joining the Braves as a player, Nola will be heading to Seattle to begin his coaching career with the Mariners.
As USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Tuesday night, “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.”
Though the Mariners have not made an official announcement yet, this move effectively signals Nola’s retirement from playing. By choosing a coaching opportunity over an active roster spot, Nola appears ready to transition fully into a new role in baseball.
It’s a notable addition for Seattle, which gains a recently active catcher to help mentor its bullpen. The team is already familiar with former catchers in leadership positions—manager Dan Wilson was once a standout behind the plate for the Mariners.
After falling just one run short of their first-ever World Series berth in a crushing ALCS Game 7 loss, Seattle is seeking every possible edge heading into next season. While key free-agent decisions still loom, the Mariners have quietly made one of the more intriguing moves of the offseason by adding Nola to their staff.
