Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz is having an exceptional season, currently tied for the Major League Baseball lead with 17 saves. He boasts the best opponent batting average of .108 among relief pitchers who have pitched at least 13 innings and has an impressive 0.00 ERA over 22 and two-thirds innings, making him the only pitcher in MLB who has not allowed an earned run this season.
His performance has drawn significant attention from ESPN personalities, who have made bold statements regarding his status as a premier closer. On the ESPN Baseball Tonight podcast, Paul Hembekides, also known as “Hembo,” declared Muñoz to be “the best closer, the best relief pitcher in all of baseball right now.” This viewpoint was echoed by MLB insider Jeff Passan during a segment on Seattle Sports, where he questioned if there could be any argument against Muñoz’s position as the best reliever this season.
Passan highlighted the improvements Muñoz has made, particularly in reducing his walks. His fastball, averaging 99 mph, combined with a “nasty” slider, creates a potent pitch mix. He has even introduced a new changeup this season, adding to the unpredictability of his repertoire. “It’s hilarious to me that the guy can be the best reliever in baseball,” Passan noted, referring to the changeup as an intriguing weapon that could be utilized in crucial moments.
However, with the Mariners looking ahead to potential postseason play, careful management of Muñoz’s usage becomes essential. Passan emphasized that Mariners manager Dan Wilson will need to consider Muñoz’s workload carefully to ensure he remains effective when it matters most, stating, “They need a fresh Muñoz for the postseason.”
This situation presents an exciting opportunity for the Mariners as they position themselves for a playoff run. If managed wisely, Muñoz’s talents could play a pivotal role in their success.
Furthermore, Mariners fans have reason to be optimistic not just because of Muñoz’s standout performances, but also due to the team’s overall efforts and other emerging players making significant contributions this season. As the season progresses, the Mariners are proving to be a strong contender, bolstered by their impressive bullpen led by Muñoz.