Mariners Unveil 2026 High Performance Staff and Player Development Leadership
The Mariners are putting serious structure behind their player development pipeline, officially rolling out their High Performance staff and Minor League development team for 2026. It’s a comprehensive lineup of minds and mentors aimed at maximizing every ounce of potential from Seattle’s roster - from the big-league clubhouse to the backfields in Arizona.
Let’s break down who’s steering the ship behind the scenes.
High Performance Staff: Building Better Athletes, Inside and Out
At the top of the High Performance pyramid is Rob Scheidegger, returning as Vice President of High Performance and Medical. Scheidegger’s role is all about the big picture - integrating medical, strength, nutrition, and mental skills into a unified system that supports the full athlete.
The Mariners’ medical leadership continues with Dr. Henry Pelto, Director of Health & Wellness and the team’s Head Physician, and **Dr.
Albert Gee**, who leads on the orthopedic side. Their presence ensures that Seattle’s players have high-level care both in prevention and recovery.
On the physical side, Matt Rutledge heads up Strength & Conditioning, with Connor Hughes assisting. The athletic training staff includes Kyle Torgerson at the helm, supported by Taylor Bennett and Kevin Orloski. Kazuhiro Yamamoto continues as the team’s Manual Therapist - a vital role in keeping players mobile and game-ready.
Jason Roberts oversees rehab and return-to-play protocols, a key position in today’s game where recovery timelines can make or break a season. And when it comes to fueling the body, Ally Gallop leads the charge as the team’s Dietician and Head of Performance Nutrition.
Mental performance hasn’t been overlooked either. Adam Bernero returns as the Major League Mental Skills Coach, helping players stay sharp between the ears - because in baseball, the mental game is just as critical as the physical.
Player Development: Shaping the Next Wave
Player development is the engine that keeps a franchise moving forward, and the Mariners have a deep crew running the operation. Justin Toole leads as Director of Player Development, with Louis Boyd stepping into a new role as Assistant Director. Mat Snider continues as Manager of Player Development, with Catherine Antuna supporting the department as Coordinator Assistant.
Luke Carlin returns as Field Coordinator, overseeing the day-to-day structure of minor league camps and ensuring consistency across all levels. Rico Reyes will lead at the complex level, a crucial touchpoint for young international signings and early-stage prospects.
Hitting & Pitching: Strategy Meets Execution
On the offensive side, Ed Paparella remains the Hitting Coordinator, with Brock Stassi assisting. The Mariners have added Justin Sartori as a Hitting Strategist - a new hire that signals a continued push toward data-informed development in the batter’s box.
Pitching also gets a boost with two new hires: Dylan Gargas and Drew Hall, both joining as Pitching Strategists. They’ll work alongside Chris Young, who serves as Assistant to the Director of Pitching, helping to blend biomechanical analysis with in-game execution.
Sam Berk continues as a Player Development Strategist, a role that touches multiple departments and helps connect the dots between scouting reports, player performance data, and individualized development plans.
Defense, Baserunning & Special Assignments: The Details That Win Games
Zach Vincej steps into a new role as Defense/Baserunning Coordinator - a key position in today’s game where small edges on the basepaths and in the field can swing outcomes. His experience as a former infielder should serve him well in shaping Seattle’s next wave of versatile defenders.
Rounding out the staff are a trio of Special Assignment Coordinators who bring not just knowledge, but deep Mariners ties: Mike Cameron, Alvin Davis, and Franklin Gutierrez. These are names that carry weight in Seattle, and their presence around young players is a valuable bridge between the organization’s past and its future.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a list of names - it’s a blueprint. The Mariners are investing in every layer of their developmental infrastructure, from strength training to swing mechanics, from mental skills to medical recovery. In a league where margins are razor-thin, Seattle is betting on a holistic, data-driven, and deeply personal approach to player growth.
If the Mariners are going to build a sustainable contender, it won’t just be about who they sign or trade for - it’ll be about how they develop what they already have. This staff is designed to do exactly that.