Mariners Roster Moves: Option Exercise and Waiver Claim
Seattle pays $9 million to keep closer Andres Munoz for 2027 while releasing Victor Robles and adding Grant McCray.
By Ariana Flores ·
The Seattle Mariners confirmed a major financial commitment on Thursday by exercising the $9 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2027 season. The decision comes immediately after the right-hander finished his most difficult campaign with the organization. Despite the exercise, the team also moved to trim its payroll by declining options on two other players and acquiring a new outfielder from the San Francisco Giants.
Munoz posted a career-worst 4.24 earned run average across 61 relief appearances this season. He recorded 28 saves but tied for the most blown saves in the major leagues with 10. His performance marks a sharp decline from his previous four full seasons in Seattle, during which he maintained ERAs of 2.49, 2.94, 2.12, and 1.73. The 27-year-old two-time All-Star has accumulated 105 saves, a 17-28 record, and a 2.67 career ERA in 302 appearances since joining the club in a trade with the San Diego Padres in 2020.
In a separate move, the Mariners declined the $6.075 million option on right-hander Bryce Miller. Miller remains under club control through 2029 and is eligible for salary arbitration. He finished the season with a 4-10 record and a 4.17 ERA in 22 appearances, 21 of which were starts. The 28-year-old pitcher has a 28-31 record and a 4.04 career ERA in 95 starts and one relief appearance for Seattle. His results over the last two seasons include an 8-16 record, following a 20-15 performance in his first two big-league campaigns.
The team also declined the $9 million option on outfielder Victor Robles. Robles will receive a $500,000 buyout payment. He batted .256 with no home runs and nine RBIs in 65 games this season. The 29-year-old spent the previous two and a half seasons with Seattle after the Washington Nationals released him in June 2024. He now joins outfielders Randy Arozarena and Taylor Ward, shortstop J.P. Crawford, and left-handed reliever Hoby Milner as free agents.
To replace some depth, Seattle claimed outfielder Grant McCray off waivers from the Giants. McCray, 25, batted .143 with two home runs and four RBIs in 43 games for San Francisco this season. He has a .170 career average with seven home runs and 16 RBIs in 102 games played over parts of three seasons. The waivers claim was finalized as part of the same day of transactions.
