Mariners Exercise $7M Option on All-Star Closer Andres Munoz | MLB News (2025)

The Seattle Mariners have just secured their elite closer for the 2026 season, but was that fateful Game 7 decision a masterstroke or a missed opportunity? Dive in to uncover the story behind Andres Munoz's future with the team.

David Schoenfield
Nov 4, 2025, 01:46 PM ET

For those new to the game, a closer is typically the pitcher who comes in during the final innings to seal the win, often in high-pressure situations—think of them as the firefighter who puts out the blaze just before it spreads. Munoz, a two-time All-Star, has been dominating in this role over the last couple of seasons. He's racked up an impressive 60 saves, maintained a stellar 1.92 ERA (which stands for Earned Run Average, a key stat measuring how many runs a pitcher allows per nine innings on average), and limited opposing batters to just a .160 batting average. In the most recent season, he posted a 3-3 record with 38 saves, and incredibly, he only surrendered two home runs across 62⅓ innings pitched. That efficiency helped propel the Mariners deep into the playoffs, where Munoz contributed 8⅓ scoreless innings to get Seattle all the way to Game 7 of the ALCS (American League Championship Series).

But here's where it gets controversial—and this is the part most people miss, even seasoned fans. Despite Munoz's track record as a lockdown closer, he wasn't summoned for what proved to be the Mariners' most pivotal moment of the year. With Seattle holding a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning of that nail-biting Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Blue Jays loaded the bases with two runners on and just one out. Instead of turning to Munoz, manager Dan Wilson opted for Eduard Bazardo to face slugger George Springer. Springer, never one to shrink from the spotlight, launched a game-winning three-run homer that swung the series in Toronto's favor. Was this a bold managerial gamble that didn't pay off, or was it a calculated choice to save Munoz for later? It's the kind of decision that sparks endless debate among baseball enthusiasts.

Adding a layer to Munoz's contract, his 2026 salary includes a $1 million bump tied directly to the number of games he finished in 2025. Looking ahead, the Mariners also have club options on him for $8 million in 2027 and $10 million in 2028, with potential increases of up to $2 million based on how many games he wraps up each year. These incentives reward durability and performance, encouraging relievers like Munoz to stay healthy and effective.

To put this into context, Munoz inked his original four-year deal worth $7.5 million back in the 2021 offseason, right after recovering from Tommy John surgery—a procedure that reconstructs a damaged elbow ligament, often requiring a year or more of rehab. He made just one appearance that season on the final day, but it's a testament to his resilience that he's bounced back to become such a force.

Munoz's journey began with the San Diego Padres in 2019, where he burst onto the scene with a blazing fastball averaging 99.9 mph—imagine a pitch that zooms across the plate like a rocket, making it tough for hitters to react. While his velocity has dipped slightly to around 98 mph now, his real weapon has become his slider, which he unleashed over 50% of the time in 2025 and baffled batters to a mere .109 average. That pitch, a breaking ball that dives and curves unpredictably, has been a game-changer for him. His path took a detour during spring training in 2020 when he suffered an elbow injury, leading to a trade that August where the Mariners acquired him, along with first baseman Ty France and two others, in exchange for Padres catcher Austin Nola and a pair of relievers. It's a swap that has paid dividends for Seattle ever since.

As we reflect on this move, it's worth pondering: Should managers always lean on their star closers in clutch moments, or are there times when mixing things up is the smarter play? Do you think the Mariners' decision in Game 7 cost them the championship, or was it just part of the unpredictable nature of baseball? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with keeping Munoz around, or do you see a controversial counterpoint here, like maybe over-relying on one pitcher? We'd love to hear your take!