CJ Gillman Appointed as Mariners' New Hitting Coach

The Seattle Mariners are bringing back CJ Gillman as their new hitting coach, as reported by The Athletic. Gillman previously served as the minor league hitting coordinator for the Mariners from 2022 to 2025 and spent the last season as the director of hitting for the Washington Nationals.

Gillman replaces Kevin Seitzer, who was let go after the 2026 season amid a broader coaching staff shake-up that also affected three other coaches and manager Dan Wilson. His appointment comes before the Mariners finalize their new manager, with Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler being considered for the role.

Gillman’s return is seen as a strategic move, given his familiarity with the Mariners’ organization and his successful tenure in Washington, where he contributed to significant improvements in the team's hitting approach. The Mariners have struggled with consistent offense, and Gillman will need to focus on revitalizing key players whose performance declined last season.