Mariners Confirm $7M Option on All-Star Closer Munoz for 2026

BREAKING: The Seattle Mariners have officially confirmed they are exercising their $7 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2026 season. This urgent update comes from The Seattle Times, highlighting Munoz’s pivotal role as one of baseball’s elite closers.

In just the past two seasons, Munoz has proven his worth, saving 60 games with an impressive 1.92 ERA and limiting opposing batters to a mere .160 average. During the 2025 season, he recorded a solid 3-3 record with 38 saves, allowing only two home runs over 62 1/3 innings of work.

While Munoz’s contributions were key in leading the Mariners to the brink of the ALCS, a critical moment slipped away when he wasn’t called upon during a crucial Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. With Seattle up 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh, manager Dan Wilson opted for Eduard Bazardo instead of Munoz. The decision backfired when George Springer launched a three-run homer, handing the Blue Jays a series victory.

Munoz’s contract includes potential salary increases based on performance, with a $1 million bump for games finished in 2025. The Mariners also hold options for $8 million in 2027 and $10 million in 2028, with future salary increases tied to his performance metrics.

Originally signed to a four-year, $7.5 million deal after the 2021 season, Munoz made a brief return from Tommy John surgery before showcasing his formidable talent. Debuting with the San Diego Padres in 2019, he consistently clocked fastballs at an impressive 99.9 mph. Now, he leans on a slider that has proven effective, holding batters to a striking .109 average in 2025.

As the Mariners prepare for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how Munoz will contribute following a season filled with promise and disappointment. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as Munoz aims to solidify his status among the league’s best closers.