The Seattle Mariners officially announced two key roster decisions on Tuesday, confirming moves that were largely anticipated by fans and insiders alike. The team revealed that it has exercised its club option on elite reliever Andrés Muñoz, ensuring his return for the 2026 campaign, while declining the $12 million mutual option on catcher Mitch Garver, making him a free agent.
The announcement, though expected, marks another step in what promises to be a pivotal offseason for the Mariners as they look to solidify their roster for a deeper postseason run in 2026.
Muñoz’s Option Picked Up After Stellar Campaign
Few moves this offseason were as predictable—or as well-earned—as Seattle’s decision to pick up Muñoz’s option. The flamethrowing right-hander has evolved into one of baseball’s most dominant late-inning arms, and his 2025 season only reinforced that reputation.
Coming off his second consecutive All-Star appearance, Muñoz turned in a season that can only be described as elite. He finished the year with a 1.73 ERA, the lowest of his career, while recording 38 saves, the third-most in all of Major League Baseball. He tied his career-high in appearances (64) and demonstrated incredible consistency throughout the year, allowing just 0.3 home runs per nine innings—a testament to both his overpowering stuff and his improved command.
The postseason only strengthened his case as one of the premier relievers in the sport. Across seven playoff appearances, Muñoz delivered 8 1/3 scoreless innings, shutting down some of baseball’s most dangerous lineups and providing Seattle with a level of reliability that few relievers can match in high-pressure situations.
For a team that has prided itself on building around elite pitching depth, retaining Muñoz was never really in question.
The Contract Structure and Future Options
Muñoz’s current deal dates back to November 2021, when he signed a four-year, $7.5 million extension with Seattle shortly after returning from Tommy John surgery. At the time, the agreement was considered a forward-thinking move by the Mariners’ front office—locking in a pitcher with immense upside at team-friendly terms while offering Muñoz long-term security coming off an injury.
The 2026 club option, worth $6 million, is the first of three potential options built into that contract. It also includes performance-based incentives that could increase his earnings. Specifically, Muñoz can earn up to $1 million in bonuses during the season—structured as four separate $250,000 bonuses—if he finishes 20, 30, 40, and 45 games respectively.
The structure continues into the following years, giving the Mariners flexibility while rewarding Muñoz for consistent production. The 2027 and 2028 options are valued at $8 million and $10 million, respectively, and come with expanded performance bonuses—each worth $500,000 at the same game-finish milestones.
These escalating options underline the Mariners’ belief that Muñoz can continue to be a cornerstone in the bullpen for years to come. His ability to close games, bridge high-leverage innings, and overpower hitters with his triple-digit fastball and devastating slider has made him a critical piece in Seattle’s long-term plans.
With Muñoz under team control through at least 2026—and potentially through 2028—the Mariners have secured one of the most electric relievers in baseball at an outstanding value.
Moving On from Mitch Garver
While the decision to retain Muñoz was a no-brainer, the call to decline Mitch Garver’s $12 million mutual option was equally unsurprising—albeit for very different reasons.
Garver, who joined Seattle on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season, provided solid veteran presence and offensive depth at catcher and designated hitter. However, given his age, recent performance, and injury history, both sides appeared ready to move in different directions.
By declining the mutual option, the Mariners will pay Garver a $1 million buyout, officially making him a free agent. The move frees up payroll space for Seattle to pursue other needs this winter, particularly as the front office looks to bolster its offensive production.
Garver’s time in Seattle was brief but not without value. He brought experience and leadership to a young clubhouse and offered occasional pop at the plate. Still, with the Mariners aiming to get younger and more flexible offensively, keeping Garver at that price point simply didn’t align with the team’s broader roster strategy.
The Mariners’ catching situation remains stable thanks to the emergence of Cal Raleigh, who has developed into one of baseball’s top catchers both defensively and offensively. Raleigh’s power bat, game-calling acumen, and durability make him the clear starter moving forward. Seattle also has Blake Wilson, another catcher in the system who continues to earn high marks for his defensive growth.
In fact, both Raleigh and Wilson were recently named finalists for Major League Baseball’s 2025 season awards, a recognition that speaks to the strength of Seattle’s catching core. With that kind of depth and talent behind the plate, there simply wasn’t room—or financial justification—for retaining Garver at a $12 million salary.
One More Decision Looms: Jorge Polanco
With the Muñoz and Garver decisions now official, Seattle has just one remaining option decision on its docket: Jorge Polanco’s player option for 2026.
Polanco, who joined the Mariners via trade before the 2024 season, has until 2 p.m. Thursday to decide whether he will exercise his $6 million player option or test the open market in free agency.
The outcome of Polanco’s decision could have a significant ripple effect on Seattle’s offseason approach. If he opts in, the Mariners will retain an experienced switch-hitting infielder capable of providing steady production and leadership. If he declines, Seattle will need to decide whether to pursue him in free agency or turn its attention toward other infield targets.
Regardless, the deadline coincides with the expiration of MLB’s exclusive negotiating window, after which all teams are free to engage with available free agents. That timing ensures that Seattle’s front office, led by president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, will have clarity heading into the next phase of the offseason.
The Current State of the Mariners’ Roster
Following Tuesday’s announcements, the Mariners’ 40-man roster currently sits at 34 players. However, that number will rise soon. Several players on the injured list are expected to be reinstated by Thursday’s deadline, which will bring Seattle’s roster closer to capacity and give the front office a clearer picture of its depth chart heading into the winter.
The reduced roster space could also indicate that more changes are coming. The Mariners have a history of making early offseason trades, often looking to capitalize on teams seeking bullpen help or controllable arms. With a deep pitching staff and financial flexibility, Seattle could look to upgrade its lineup—particularly at the corner infield and designated hitter positions.
With his option secured, Andrés Muñoz will continue to anchor one of the league’s most effective bullpens. His combination of power and poise has made him indispensable in high-leverage situations.
What stands out most about Muñoz is not just his raw velocity—which regularly touches triple digits—but his evolution as a complete pitcher. Since returning from Tommy John surgery, he has refined his mechanics, sharpened his slider, and added a layer of maturity to his approach. His command within the strike zone has improved, and his ability to handle both right- and left-handed hitters has made him virtually matchup-proof.
Manager Scott Servais has often praised Muñoz’s resilience and work ethic, particularly in how he handled the physical and mental grind of closing games. In 2025, he not only solidified his role as Seattle’s primary closer but also emerged as a clubhouse leader. His continued presence gives the Mariners stability at the back end of games—something few contending teams can take for granted.
As the Mariners turn their attention to 2026, the message from Tuesday’s moves is clear: the club is focused on sustaining its core pitching strength while maintaining financial flexibility to address other needs.
Seattle’s pitching remains its foundation. With Muñoz locked in, alongside a rotation that already includes George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Bryce Miller, the Mariners have one of the most formidable pitching groups in the American League.
However, the front office has acknowledged the need for greater offensive consistency. Last season, the Mariners’ lineup showed flashes of potential but struggled with balance and situational hitting—an area that will likely be a top priority in free agency or trade discussions.
By declining Garver’s option and awaiting Polanco’s decision, Seattle is freeing up resources that could be used to pursue upgrades at key positions. Whether that means adding another power bat, an everyday corner infielder, or a versatile outfielder, the Mariners are expected to be active players this winter.
In many ways, Tuesday’s roster decisions serve as a microcosm of where the Mariners stand as an organization—anchored by elite pitching, guided by smart financial management, and poised for another run at contention.
By retaining Andrés Muñoz, Seattle ensures that its bullpen remains one of the team’s greatest strengths, capable of closing out tight games deep into October. By parting ways with Mitch Garver, the front office preserves flexibility and signals a continued commitment to developing young, controllable talent around its established stars.
Now, with one major decision left for Jorge Polanco and a busy offseason ahead, the Mariners are entering a defining period—one that could determine whether they take the next step from playoff participant to legitimate World Series contender.
When all is said and done, Tuesday’s moves weren’t just about roster logistics. They were about shaping the foundation for 2026—and beyond.
