Mariners Confirm $7 Million Option on Closer Munoz for 2026
The Seattle Mariners have officially decided to exercise their $7 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2026 season, as reported by The Seattle Times on Tuesday. Munoz, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s premier closers over the past two seasons. He has recorded 60 saves while maintaining an impressive 1.92 ERA and limiting opposing batters to a .160 average.
This past season, Munoz posted a record of 3-3 with 38 saves, allowing just two home runs across 62 1/3 innings. His performance in the postseason was also noteworthy, contributing significantly to the Mariners’ journey to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) by pitching 8 1/3 scoreless innings.
Despite Munoz’s strong track record, the Mariners faced a pivotal moment in the ALCS when they led the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 7. Instead of calling upon Munoz, manager Dan Wilson opted for Eduard Bazardo to face George Springer, who then hit a decisive three-run home run, altering the course of the game.
Munoz’s contract includes a provision for a $1 million increase based on the number of games he finishes in 2025. Additionally, the Mariners hold club options for $8 million in 2027 and $10 million in 2028. His salary can increase by up to $2 million depending on his game finishes.
Munoz joined the Mariners after signing a four-year, $7.5 million contract that includes the three option years, following the 2021 season when he made a single appearance after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made his Major League debut with the San Diego Padres in 2019, showcasing a fastball that averaged a remarkable 99.9 mph, and although it has slightly decreased to 98 mph, he has increasingly depended on his slider, which he utilized over 50% of the time in 2025, allowing only a .109 average against batters.
In 2020, Munoz faced elbow injuries during spring training, leading to his acquisition by the Mariners that August as part of a trade that sent catcher Austin Nola and two relievers to the Padres. With his consistent performance and potential for further growth, Munoz remains a key asset for the Mariners as they continue to build their roster for future seasons.
