UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners have just exercised their $7 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2026 season, according to a report from The Seattle Times. This decision comes as the Mariners look to build on last season’s success, where Munoz emerged as one of the premier closers in Major League Baseball.
Over the past two seasons, Munoz has saved an impressive 60 games while boasting a remarkable 1.92 ERA and limiting opponents to a mere .160 batting average. In the 2025 season alone, he recorded 38 saves and allowed just two home runs across 62 1/3 innings, solidifying his reputation as a critical asset for the team.
During the postseason, Munoz played a pivotal role in helping the Mariners reach Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), showcasing his skills with 8 1/3 scoreless innings. However, his absence during a crucial moment of the series left fans questioning managerial decisions. With a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays, manager Dan Wilson opted to bring in Eduard Bazardo instead of Munoz, leading to a decisive three-run home run by George Springer that turned the tide of the game.
Looking ahead, Munoz’s salary could increase by up to $2 million based on the number of games he finishes. The Mariners also hold options on him for $8 million in 2027 and $10 million for 2028, indicating their long-term commitment to the talented closer.
Munoz joined the Mariners in August 2020 as part of a trade that sent catcher Austin Nola to the San Diego Padres. He originally signed a four-year, $7.5 million contract following his return from Tommy John surgery in 2021. Known for his blazing fastball, which averages 98 mph, Munoz has increasingly relied on his slider, which he deployed over 50% of the time in 2025, holding batters to a striking .109 average against it.
As the Mariners prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Munoz as he continues to solidify his role as a cornerstone of their pitching staff. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how his performance impacts the team’s prospects in the coming years. Stay tuned for more updates on the Mariners’ offseason moves and the implications for their 2026 campaign.
