The Seattle Mariners are making smart moves! They've officially exercised their club option for relief pitcher Andres Muñoz for the 2026 season. This decision, as reported by Francys Romero, highlights the team's commitment to securing key talent. But what does this mean for the team and for Muñoz?
The Mariners are set to pay Muñoz $6 million for the 2026 season, although the total value could reach $7 million thanks to potential bonuses based on his performance in 2025. This is great news for the Mariners, as Muñoz has quickly become one of the best closers in baseball.
There was virtually no doubt about this decision, given Muñoz's stellar performance. He's been an All-Star for the past two seasons, boasting an impressive 1.73 ERA and a 32.7% strikeout rate over 62 1/3 innings, while racking up 38 saves. While he does have a tendency to walk batters, it's a minor flaw in an otherwise outstanding profile for the hard-throwing right-hander.
The contract Muñoz signed back in November 2021, a four-year, $7.5 million extension, has turned out to be a fantastic deal for the Mariners. The guaranteed part of the deal is now over, but the team still has control over Muñoz through 2028 via three club option years. The 2027 option is worth $8 million, and the 2028 option is worth $10 million, with additional bonus money available based on games finished.
Beyond exercising Muñoz's option, the Mariners also declined their end of Mitch Garver's mutual option. The only remaining option is Jorge Polanco's $6 million player option for 2026, and it's expected that Polanco will choose to test free agency after a strong season.
So, what do you think? Are the Mariners making the right moves to build a winning team? Do you agree with the decision to exercise Muñoz's option? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
