Mariners pay $9 million to keep reliever Andres Munoz

The Seattle Mariners exercised a $9 million club option on reliever Andres Munoz on Thursday. The move prevents the 27-year-old right-hander from entering free agency.

Seattle also declined to exercise a $9 million option on outfielder Victor Robles. The 29-year-old Dominican is now eligible to become a free agent. He will receive a $500,000 buyout, completing a two-year contract worth $9.75 million.

The team also rejected a $6.075 million option on right-hander Bryce Miller. The 28-year-old will receive a $15,000 buyout under a one-year deal that guaranteed $2.4525 million. Miller remains under team control and is eligible for salary arbitration.

Munoz signed a four-year, $7.5 million contract in December 2021 that included three club options. He was selected for the All-Star game in 2024 and 2025. His salary for the current season was $7 million under the first option. He finished with a 5-6 record and a 4.24 earned run average, the worst of his career. He recorded 28 saves in 38 opportunities and struck out 89 batters in 57.1 innings.

Robles hit .256 without a home run and had nine runs batted in and 10 stolen bases in 65 games. He missed time from April 6 to May 22 with a right pectoral strain. He was limited to 32 games in 2025 due to a left shoulder dislocation.

Miller posted a 4-10 record with a 4.17 earned run average in 21 starts and one relief appearance. He did not make his season debut for Seattle until May 13 because of a left oblique strain.

Four other Mariners became free agents on Thursday: outfielders Randy Arozarena and Taylor Ward, shortstop J.P. Crawford, and left-hander Hoby Milner. Seattle holds a $10 million option for 2028 on Munoz, which increases by $250,000 for each threshold of 20, 30, 40, and 45 games finished.