The Seattle Mariners have officially exercised their $7 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2026 season, as reported by The Seattle Times on October 24, 2023. Munoz, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as one of the premier closers in Major League Baseball over the last two seasons. He has successfully saved 60 games while maintaining an impressive 1.92 ERA and limiting batters to a mere .160 batting average.
In the most recent season, Munoz finished with a record of 3-3 alongside 38 saves, allowing only two home runs across 62 1/3 innings of work. His contributions were pivotal in the postseason, where he aided the Mariners in reaching Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) by pitching 8 1/3 scoreless innings.
Despite his strong performance, Munoz was not utilized in a critical moment during the decisive Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Leading 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Mariners faced a challenging situation with two runners on base and one out. Manager Dan Wilson opted to bring in Eduard Bazardo to face George Springer, who responded with a three-run home run that ultimately shifted the momentum of the game.
Munoz’s contract structure allows for potential salary increases, with a $1 million boost contingent on the number of games finished in 2025. The Mariners also hold club options on Munoz for $8 million in 2027 and $10 million in 2028, further incentivizing the closer’s performance. His salaries can rise by an additional $2 million depending on his game finishes.
Munoz originally signed a four-year, $7.5 million deal with the Mariners following the 2021 season. This contract included three option years after he made a single appearance at the end of the 2021 season following recovery from Tommy John surgery. He made his Major League debut with the San Diego Padres in 2019, showcasing a fastball that averaged 99.9 mph. Although he now throws at about 98 mph, Munoz has increasingly relied on his slider, utilizing it over 50% of the time in 2025 and achieving a remarkable .109 average against batters with that pitch.
Munoz’s journey includes an elbow injury sustained during spring training in 2020, which led to his acquisition by the Mariners in August of that year. The trade involved sending catcher Austin Nola and two relievers to the Padres, alongside Ty France and other players, marking a significant moment in the Mariners’ efforts to bolster their pitching staff.
As the Mariners look ahead to the upcoming seasons, securing Munoz is a crucial step in maintaining a competitive edge in the league. With his proven track record and increasing reliability, Munoz’s role as a closer will remain vital as the team aims for postseason success in the coming years.
