UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners have officially exercised their $7 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2026 season, according to urgent reports from The Seattle Times. This decision comes as Munoz, a two-time All-Star, has solidified his place as one of the top closers in Major League Baseball over the past two seasons.
In an impressive run, Munoz has saved 60 games while boasting a remarkable 1.92 ERA and restricting batters to an average of just .160. During the 2025 season, he recorded a 3-3 record with 38 saves and allowed only two home runs across 62 1/3 innings. His postseason performance was crucial, helping the Mariners reach Game 7 of the ALCS with 8 1/3 scoreless innings.
However, the Mariners faced a significant moment in that decisive game against the Toronto Blue Jays when Munoz was not called upon during a critical situation. Leading 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh, the team opted for Eduard Bazardo to face George Springer, who then hit a three-run home run, shifting the momentum of the series.
The Mariners’ decision to retain Munoz is not just about the immediate future. His contract includes a potential salary increase of $1 million based on games finished in 2025, along with club options for $8 million in 2027 and $10 million for 2028. His earnings could escalate by up to $2 million depending on his performance.
Having signed a four-year, $7.5 million contract with the Mariners following the 2021 season, Munoz’s career trajectory has been impressive since he debuted with the San Diego Padres in 2019. After returning from Tommy John surgery, he has showcased a fastball averaging 99.9 mph. While he now throws at 98 mph, his slider, which he utilized over 50% of the time in 2025, has proven to be a dominant pitch, limiting batters to an average of .109.
As Munoz prepares for the upcoming season, Mariners fans are eager to see how this decision impacts the team’s performance and their quest for postseason success. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
