There was never any doubt Andres Munoz would return next season for the Seattle Mariners following the best year of his Major League career.
The inevitable was made official on Tuesday, with the Seattle Mariners announcing that they have exercised their 2026 club option for Andrés Muñoz. The two-time All-Star will make $7 million next year, which is made up of a $6 million base salary and bonuses totalling another $1 million.
Muñoz more than justified having the club option picked up, after completing the best season of his six years in the majors. He set career bests with a 1.73 ERA, 219 ERA+, 38 saves and 2.4 WAR, while also producing a 2.43 FIP and 1.027 WHIP.
Andres Munoz came out firing in 2025
The 26-year-old set himself up for a special season by not allowing a single earned run in his first 24 appearances. Along the way he was named AL Reliever of the Month for March/April, as he staked his claim as one of the best closers and indeed relievers full stop in baseball.
However, it was during the 2025 playoffs when Muñoz truly announced himself on the national stage, as a key component of the Mariners’ run to Game 7 in the AL Championship Series. During 8.1 combined innings over seven appearances he only allowed two hits, two walks and no runs, while also recording two saves.
The righty’s value was only further reinforced when perusing his Baseball Savant page, highlighted by ranking in the 99th percentile for Breaking Run Value, 98th percentile for Whiff % and 96th percentile for both K % and Fastball Velo. His main pitch continued to be his lethal slider, which he relied on 50.4 percent of the time.
- Mariners back at full strength heading into first road trip of 2026
- George Kirby sees dominant start vs. Yankees come undone in 6th
- Mariners experience 2 positives and 1 negative on a busy Tuesday
- Mike Macdonald,” We are a different team.”
- Nikola Petkovic suffers season ending knee  injury
Deal of the century for the Mariners
The righty is undoubtedly a bargain at $7 million and should continue to play a key role as the Mariners aim to take it a step further next season and appear in their first ever World Series. The M’s also have club options for him in 2027 and 2028, worth $8 million and $10 million respectively.
The Mariners also announced what we reported on Monday, by confirming they had declined Mitch Garver’s mutual option for the 2026 season worth $12 million and he is now a free agent. His contract included a $1 million buyout clause for next year and the M’s 40-man roster is now at 34 players.
Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography
Do you expect Munoz to carry on where he left off when the 2026 season begins, or do you believe he can be even better than this year? Or do you have any concern he could take a step back with his productivity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
