Could the Mariners trade Andrés Muñoz?
Andrés Muñoz is a key contributor to Seattle's bullpen. He'd also be a valuable trade chip.
Anyone following the Mariners knows the team is looking to add offensive difference-makers this offseason. But would Seattle’s front office go as far as trading closer Andrés Muñoz to help acquire impact bats?
On the surface, the notion of dealing Muñoz sounds preposterous. He’s Seattle’s best reliever, only 25-years-old, and under club control through the end of the 2028 season. However, I believe money and health could motivate the Mariners to peddle the hard-throwing right-hander as early as this winter.
According to Spotrac, Muñoz is set to earn approximately $3.4 million next season - a relative bargain for a reliever of his ilk. Still, Seattle’s financial commitment to the Mexican relief specialist noticeably escalates following the 2025 campaign. An important planning factor for a front office perpetually hamstrung by payroll limitations.
Andrés Muñoz’s Estimated Annual Salary
2025 ($3.4 million)
2026 ($6 million)*
2027 ($8 million)*
2028 ($10 million)*
* Team option
Source: Spotrac
Compounding matters for the Mariners, four key contributors are arbitration-eligible this winter: Randy Arozarena, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Cal Raleigh. Their hefty raises will place an added strain on the club’s budget. Not only that, each player is slated for arbitration after next season when Muñoz’s salary begins its rapid ascent.
And then there’s Muñoz’s physical readiness to consider.
When Seattle acquired him in August 2020, Muñoz was completing rehab from Tommy John surgery. After the 2022 season, the 6-foot-2 hurler underwent ankle surgery, which affected his offseason preparations. Whether this change in routine led to a right deltoid strain suffered in the second week of the 2023 campaign is unclear. Regardless of the cause, Muñoz’s injury led to a two-month absence after just four appearances.
This year, Muñoz avoided the IL. But in June, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reported Seattle’s best reliever had been dealing with a back strain since the second game of the season. The issue affected how often the club could utilize Muñoz for a portion of the 2024 campaign.
Am I suggesting Muñoz is injury prone? No. However, it’s reasonable to believe that a history of injury-related issues for a max effort reliever entering his age-26 season could potentially influence management’s view of the player.
To be clear, it’s unlikely that Muñoz alone would be enough to acquire the offensive playmakers the Mariners need. But perhaps his inclusion in a package involving a starter like Luis Castillo or Emerson Hancock, position players from the MLB roster, or prospects would push Seattle closer to its offseason acquisition goals.
Finally, I realize it infuriates a segment of fans when someone suggests their team might or should trade a popular and productive player, such as Muñoz. It’s not that I’m a proponent of sending him out of town. But considering the All-Star's future pay and previous health-related challenges, I wouldn't be surprised if Seattle moves Muñoz this offseason or before Opening Day 2026.
Even if the fan base doesn’t agree.
My Oh My…
Just the fact that we have to talk about budget constraints with a team set up to succeed for years is infuriating. The Dodgers win the Series with half of a starting pitching staff and the M's have 5 legitimate arms 80% of which are inexpensive, and we're talking about constraints! Gahhhh
Good one Luke. M's traded Diaz, could happen w/Munoz too. M's handle pitchers well, but some of it's luck & high leverage relievers don't always age well. I wouldn't be surprised to see Arozarena gone too. He didn't seem thrilled to leave S. Florida, close to his native Cuba.
Did I hear he and Julio employ the same private hitting coach? Their all or nothing swings looked alike anyway. Wasn't impressed by either's 2024. Hope they both adopt a more Justin Turner-like approach in 2025.