Reliever Andrés Muñoz’s $9 million option has been exercised by the Seattle Mariners, preventing the pitcher from becoming eligible for free agency
SEATTLE (AP) — Reliever Andrés Muñoz's $9 million option was exercised Thursday by the Seattle Mariners, preventing the pitcher from becoming eligible for free agency.
Seattle also declined a $9 million option on outfielder Victor Robles, who is eligible to be a free agent. He gets a $500,000 buyout that completes a $9.75 million, two-year contract.
The Mariners declined a $6,075,000 option on right-hander Bryce Miller, who gets a $15,000 buyout as part of a one-year deal that guaranteed $2,452,500. Miller remains under club control and is eligible for salary arbitration.
Four Mariners became free agents Thursday: outfielders Randy Arozarena and Taylor Ward, shortstop J.P. Crawford, and left-hander Hoby Milner.
Muñoz, a 27-year-old right-hander, agreed in December 2021 to a $7.5 million, four-year contract that included three club options. An All-Star in 2024 and '25, he had a $7 million salary this year under the first option and went 5-6 with a career-worst 4.24 ERA, 28 saves in 38 chances and 89 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings.
Seattle has a $10 million option for 2028 that would increase by $250,000 each for 20, 30, 40 and 45 games finished.
Robles, 29, hit .256 with no homers, nine RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 65 games. He was sidelined between April 6 and May 22 by a right pectoral muscle strain. Robles was limited to 32 games in 2025 because of a dislocated left shoulder.
Miller, 28, was 4-10 with a 4.17 ERA in 21 starts and one relief appearance. He didn't make his Mariners season debut until May 13 because of a strained left oblique.
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