Mariners pay $9M to lock in closer Andrés Muñoz

The Seattle Mariners committed $9 million to keep closer Andrés Muñoz on the 2027 roster. The team exercised his contract option on Thursday, securing his services for the upcoming season. Muñoz also holds a club option for 2028 valued at $10 million, with a potential $1 million increase based on games finished.

Muñoz's performance declined from his previous two All-Star campaigns. Last season, he posted a 5-6 record and a career-high 4.24 ERA in 61 appearances. He surrendered nine home runs, struck out 89 batters, and issued 24 walks over 57 1/3 innings.

The Mariners also claimed outfielder Grant McCray off waivers from the San Francisco Giants. McCray, 25, played in 43 games for San Francisco this year. He batted .143 with two home runs, four RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 77 at-bats.

The club declined to pick up options on pitcher Bryce Miller and outfielder Victor Robles. Miller remains under team control and will head to salary arbitration for his 2027 pay. His declined option was worth $6.075 million. Miller finished last season with a 4-10 record and a 4.17 ERA. His final 16 games saw his ERA spike to 6.14 as he went 0-8.

Robles avoided a $9 million payout by becoming a free agent. He will receive a $500,000 buyout. Over parts of the last three seasons, Robles played in 174 games and hit .288. His production concentrated heavily in the final 77 games of 2024. Last year, he batted .256 in 65 games.

Muñoz's $9 million option reflects the team's reliance on his closing role despite his recent struggles. The financial commitment ties his compensation to specific performance metrics in the following year.