headtopics
On Thursday, the Seattle Mariners made a series of offseason roster moves, headlined by exercising the $9 million option on closer Andrés Muñoz for the 2027 season. The team also declined options on pitcher Bryce Miller and outfielder Victor Robles, and claimed outfielder Grant McCray off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
Muñoz, who has earned All-Star selections in each of the past two seasons, experienced a challenging 2026 campaign. He finished with a 5-6 record and a career-worst 4.24 ERA across 61 appearances, surrendering a career-high nine home runs while striking out 89 and walking 24 in 57 innings. The Mariners also hold a $10 million club option on Muñoz for 2028.
By declining Miller's $6.075 million option for 2027, Seattle keeps the young right-hander under club control, and he is now headed to salary arbitration unless the two sides agree to a different contract. Miller posted a 4-10 record with a 4.17 ERA in 22 games (21 starts) last season. After beginning the year on the injured list, he was stellar in his first 10 starts, recording a 1.71 ERA with 62 strikeouts and just five walks over 52 innings. However, his performance dipped significantly over his final 16 games, where his ERA ballooned to 6.14 with 57 strikeouts, 33 walks, and 14 home runs allowed, resulting in an 0-8 record down the stretch.
Robles, who would have earned $9 million had his option been exercised, will instead receive a $500,000 buyout and become a free agent. In parts of three seasons with Seattle, Robles appeared in 174 games and batted a combined .288 with 27 doubles, three triples, and five home runs. The bulk of his success came in the final 77 games of the 2024 season after he was signed midseason. Last year, he played in 65 games, hitting .256 with three doubles, two triples, and nine RBI in 133 plate appearances.
McCray, 25, was claimed off waivers from the Giants after appearing in 43 games for San Francisco this season, where he batted .143 with two doubles, one triple, two home runs, four RBI, eight stolen bases, and 11 walks. A third-round pick by the Giants in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Lake Ranch High School in Florida, McCray has seen action in parts of three major league seasons.
Key Analysis
The Mariners' decision to exercise Muñoz's option demonstrates confidence in his ability to rebound from a down year, especially given his track record as a two-time All-Star. Meanwhile, declining Miller's option keeps a talented young arm under team control at a potentially lower cost through arbitration, though his second-half struggles raise questions about his consistency. Robles' departure opens up outfield flexibility, and the addition of McCray provides depth and speed off the bench. Overall, these moves reflect a strategic approach to roster management as Seattle prepares for the upcoming season.
Originally reported by headtopics.