If you go anywhere on Seattle Mariners social media right now, the conversation is about closer Andres Munoz and his struggles. The two-time All-Star has already given up three home runs this season, which is more than he gave up all of 2025 (two).

He's got an ERA of 6.00, and he's walked seven batters in 15 appearances.

We wrote a fairly detailed piece on Munoz on Wednesday, examining his struggles further, and then we spoke about them with ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney on the Thursday edition of the 'Refuse to Lose' podcast.

We specifically asked Olney for his thoughts on Munoz and his concern level.

His answer:

"I would put it at a 7 out of 10. But I think this is something, you know, the number one question you have to ask yourself is, 'if not Munoz, then who?' Who would be the guy that you would want to give that to? And if you were to shake it up and he were to be moved out of that role, how will, not only that other person stepping into the closer role handle that, but how would he handle the demotion?

You and I have seen many examples of closers who've gone into setup roles and they struggle with it, most notably Craig Kimbrel, who someday is probably going to make a speech in Cooperstown, but he needed the adrenaline of being a closer.

And I've thought about this watching Munoz pitch. Okay, if it doesn't go well and they opt to make a change, how is he going to handle a situation where it's the sixth inning and you're maybe not getting the juice that you get when you go out for the ninth inning to close the game?

It's a serious question, but as I mentioned before, it really is incredible to see. Besides the San Diego Padres, besides the Yankees with David Bednar, how many teams have already changed closers this year? In fact, I was just going to sit down after you and I get done talking and write a memo to one of my editors saying, “Hey, this is something we ought to document,” because it's extraordinary how many teams have already turned over their closer role."

Jose A. Ferrer got the save in Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Braves, as Munoz was down after working back-to-back days.

The Mariners will be back in action against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night at 4:40 p.m. PT.

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