The Mariners exercised their $6MM club option on Andres Munoz’s services for the 2026 season, according to reporter Francys Romero. The total value of the option is actually $7MM, as Munoz unlocked four $250K bonuses based on his number of games finished in 2025.
There was zero suspense in the Mariners’ decision, as Munoz has become one of baseball’s top closers. An All-Star in each of the past two seasons, Munoz posted a 1.73 ERA and 32.7% strikeout rate over 62 1/3 innings while recording 38 saves. While he has a penchant for issuing walks, that’s the only blemish on an otherwise excellent resume for the hard-throwing righty.
The four-year, $7.5MM extension Munoz signed with the Mariners back in November 2021 has proven to be quite a bargain for the team. The guaranteed portion of the extension is now through, but the M’s still control Munoz through 2028 via three club option years. The 2027 option is worth $8MM and the 2028 option is worth $10MM, with more bonus money available based on games finished.
Between exercising Munoz’s option and declining their end of Mitch Garver’s mutual option yesterday, the Mariners have already completed a pretty easy slate of club-related options. The one remaining option outside of the team’s hands is Jorge Polanco’s $6MM player option for 2026, and it is expected that Polanco will choose to re-enter free agency on the heels of a strong season.
Unfortunately for the M’s, he was the only RP that was consistently good this season.
Munoz was definitely the best but I think the overall seasons for Brash, Bazardo and Speier were strong too. If I could guarantee repeat years from those 4 arms above and add another strong arm or two I think most teams would take that in a heartbeat.