Mariners Activate $7M Option on All-Star Closer Munoz for 2026
The Seattle Mariners have confirmed the exercise of their $7 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2026 season, as reported by The Seattle Times on March 15, 2024. Munoz, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as one of the premier closers in Major League Baseball over the past two seasons, saving a total of 60 games while maintaining an impressive 1.92 ERA and limiting opponents to a .160 batting average.
In the 2023 season, Munoz recorded a 3-3 win-loss record with 38 saves, allowing just two home runs across 62 1/3 innings. His performance in the postseason also stood out, as he contributed significantly to the Mariners’ advancement to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), pitching 8 1/3 scoreless innings.
Despite his strong season, Munoz was not called upon during a pivotal moment in their playoff run. With the Mariners leading 3-1 in the seventh inning of Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays, manager Dan Wilson opted for relief pitcher Eduard Bazardo instead of Munoz. This decision proved costly when George Springer hit a three-run home run, ultimately sealing the Mariners’ fate in the postseason.
Munoz’s contract includes provisions for salary increases based on his performance, including a $1 million raise linked to the number of games he finishes in 2025. The Mariners also hold options for his contract at $8 million in 2027 and $10 million in 2028, with potential increases of up to $2 million depending on game finishes.
The closer signed a four-year contract worth $7.5 million following the 2021 season, during which he made a solitary appearance after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Munoz, who began his career with the San Diego Padres in 2019, is known for his blazing fastball that averaged 99.9 mph early in his career. While he still maintains a velocity around 98 mph, he has increasingly relied on his slider, which he utilized over 50% of the time in 2025, effectively limiting hitters to a .109 average against it.
In 2020, Munoz faced an elbow injury during spring training, leading to his acquisition by the Mariners that August. He was part of a trade that sent catcher Austin Nola and two other pitchers to the Padres in exchange for Munoz and infielder Ty France.
As the Mariners prepare for the upcoming season, Munoz’s continued presence on the roster is expected to play a crucial role in their pursuit of success in the 2026 season.
