The former Seattle Mariners manager spent 2016 with the Detroit Tigers Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens.
In 2017, he will replace former hitting coach Wally Joyner, who decided that he wanted a career change.
Affectionately known as “Mac,” McClendon did apply for the general manager job that was given to Brad Ausmus in 2014. Mac was the hitting coach with Jim Leyland between 2007 and 2013. After Leyland left and McClendon was not given the managerial spot in his place, he was hired to lead the Mariners.