Mariners pay Munoz $9 million despite rough 2026 season
Seattle exercised the closer's club option while declining on pitcher Bryce Miller and outfielder Victor Robles.
By Jason Lee ·
The Seattle Mariners committed $9 million to closer Andres Munoz on Thursday by exercising his 2027 club option. This financial move stands out because it followed Munoz's most statistically difficult year with the franchise.
Munoz, 27, recorded 28 saves in 61 relief appearances this season. However, his 10 blown saves tied for the most in Major League Baseball. He also posted a career-worst 4.24 ERA. His previous full-season ERAs with Seattle were 2.49 in 2022, 2.94 in 2023, 2.12 in 2024, and 1.73 in 2025.
The decision to retain Munoz reflects his cumulative value to the team. The two-time All-Star has 105 saves, a 17-28 record, and a 2.67 ERA in 302 appearances since joining the Mariners. Seattle acquired him from the San Diego Padres during the 2020 season. His contract security contrasts with the status of two other players whose options the club declined.
Right-hander Bryce Miller will now enter salary arbitration after Seattle turned down his $6.075 million option. The 28-year-old pitcher went 4-10 with a 4.17 ERA in 22 appearances this year, including 21 starts. He remains under club control through 2029. Miller is 8-16 over the past two seasons after posting a 20-15 record in his first two big-league campaigns. His career record stands at 28-31 with a 4.04 ERA in 95 starts and one relief appearance.
Outfielder Victor Robles will receive a $500,000 buyout after the Mariners declined his $9 million option. The 29-year-old batted .256 without a home run and with nine RBIs in 65 games this season. Robles spent the last two and a half seasons with Seattle before joining a group of new free agents. That group includes Randy Arozarena, Taylor Ward, shortstop J.P. Crawford, and left-handed reliever Hoby Milner.
The Mariners also claimed outfielder Grant McCray off waivers from the San Francisco Giants. McCray, 25, batted .143 with two home runs and four RBIs in 43 games for San Francisco this season. In his career, he holds a .170 average with seven home runs and 16 RBIs across 102 games over parts of three seasons.
Source: KOYY
