Third-base coach Jewett departs for Seattle

WASHINGTON -- With Trent Jewett leaving the Nationals to become the bench coach of the Mariners, the Nats will have to look for a third-base coach for 2014.

After Matt Williams was named manager of the Nationals on Nov. 1, it appeared Jewett was going to remain in Washington. But when Lloyd McClendon was hired as the skipper of the Mariners, reports circulated that Jewett would head to Seattle to be reunited with McClendon, as the two worked together in Pittsburgh -- McClendon as manager, Jewett as third-base coach.

"It's a difficult decision," Jewett said on Monday. "I will have nothing but fond memories [in Washington]. I wish the organization nothing but the best, because they were tremendous to me. I think the future and the near future are in great hands.

"I'm leaving the Nationals because I have a tremendous relationship with [McClendon], who wants me to be a bench coach, and I want to be there with him."

Jewett had been with the Nationals organization since 2009. He joined the Major League ranks in 2011, first as a first-base coach before becoming third-base coach. Jewett was also a candidate for Washington's managerial opening before Williams was hired.

"I felt good about it. I felt like the Nationals were very thorough. I felt like their minds were open. I think they hired the guy they felt was best for the job," Jewett said. "I respect the process that I went through."

The Nationals have not decided on Jewett's replacement, but it would not come as a surprise if Tony Beasley is considered. Beasley was the third-base coach for the Nats in 2006, and he managed Triple-A Syracuse the last two years following a stint with Double-A Harrisburg in 2011.