According to a report from insider Francys Romero, the Seattle Mariners have predictably exercised their 2026 team option on All-Star closer Andres Munoz. The 26-year-old will now be paid $7 million next season. The option was for $6 million, but he'll be paid the $7 million because of bonuses hit. He also has team options for 2027 and 2028.

Munoz in 2025

A huge anchor at the back-end of the Mariners bullpen, Munoz was a major reason why the M's won the American League West this season. He paired with Matt Brash, Gabe Speier and Eduard Bazardo to make solid end-of-game options for manager Dan Wilson. He pitched in 64 games, saving 38 of them and pitching to a 1.73 ERA.

He struck out 83 batters in 62.1 regular season innings, putting together a 1.027 WHIP.

His career

Acquired from the San Diego Padres in the COVID 2020 season, Munoz just finished his fifth season in Seattle. Lifetime, he's 13-23 with a 2.43 ERA. He's got 78 saves and has been named an All-Star in each of the last two campaigns.

Questions moving forward

While exercising Munoz's option was a no-brainer for the M's, it will be interesting to see how his velocity progresses in 2026.

After averaging 99.2 mph on his four-seam fastball in 2023, Munoz was down to 98.4 in 2024 and 98.4 in 2025.

As for his trademark slider? That was 88.4 in 2023, 87.6 in 2024 and 86.1 in 2025. If he's going to be successful moving forward, he needs to have that slider be more tight and less loopy. It is a difference-making pitch for him. That comes from Baseball Savant.

As for the M's bullpen 

That foursome will all be back in 2026, but the Mariners would be wise to add another leverage-type arm to the mix. Carlos Vargas was a solid contributor, but perhaps the M's can generate some contributions from Troy Taylor or Gregory Santos, who were basically non-existent in 2025. Jackson Kowar is an interesting name still in the system as well.

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