As the 2026 MLB season approaches, ESPN insider Buster Olney released his rankings of the top 10 players in each position, including the league’s best relievers.
While only one member of the Seattle Mariners cracked the top 10, another earned an honorable mention. Both Andrés Muñoz and Gabe Speier received well-earned recognition heading into the World Baseball Classic and spring training.
Andres Munoz Takes No. 6 On Olney’s List
At just 27 years old, right-hander Andrés Muñoz came in at No. 6 among MLB relievers. He ranked behind Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians), Aroldis Chapman (Boston Red Sox), Jhoan Duran (Philadelphia Phillies), Edwin Diaz (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Mason Miller (San Diego Padres).
Of Muñoz’s game, Olney wrote:
“Munoz has had four straight years with an ERA+ of at least 135, and last season was his best: He punched out 83 hitters in 62⅓ innings and held opposing hitters to a .493 OPS. His saves can be heart pounding because of his walk rate (11%), but he surrendered just two homers in 64 regular-season appearances.”
Despite featuring a fire fastball that borders on triple digits, Muñoz leaned heavily on his slider in 2025. He threw one more than half the time, holding hitters to a .109 batting average against the pitch, making it one of the most dominant secondary offerings in the game.
Last season, Muñoz played a pivotal role in helping Seattle secure the AL West. In 2025 he went 3-3 with a 1.73 ERA in 64 appearances. He earned American League All-Star honors in both 2024 and 2025. He has steadily developed into one of baseball’s elite closers since arriving in Seattle from San Diego.
Back in November, the Mariners exercised his $7 million club option, ensuring he remains anchored in the back end of their bullpen for 2026.
Gabe Speier Gets Shout Out
Speier’s 2023 campaign marked a breakthrough season in Seattle. Per Statcast, the 30-year-old posted a 3.79 ERA in 69 games and led all MLB pitchers with a 78.2% first-pitch strike rate.
After missing much of 2024 due to a left rotator cuff strain, Speier bounced back in 2025. With a 2.61 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP, he earned the sixth-best ranking among all MLB relievers. He held left-handed hitters to a .179 average and .516 OPS across 122 regular-season plate appearances. He was equally effective against right-handers, limiting them to a .203 average and .615 OPS in 131 plate appearances.
Olney noted that Seattle added Jose Ferrer in an offseason trade. The move should ease the workload for Speier, who appeared in 76 regular-season games and seven more in the postseason.
Mariners reliever Matt Brash praised his teammate, saying:
“[He’s the] best lefty reliever in big leagues right now, I would say,” Brash said. “He’s doing his thing, and we’ve leaned on him a lot through a lot this year. And I’m glad he gets to show it.”
Upcoming World Baseball Classic
Both Speier and Muñoz are set to compete in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. They’ll be joined by catcher Cal Raleigh, center fielder Julio Rodríguez, first baseman Josh Naylor, and left fielder Randy Arozarena.
With multiple bullpen arms earning major recognition and several stars preparing for international competition, Seattle enters 2026 with momentum and a bullpen that continues to command respect across Major League Baseball.
Seattle’s Bullpen Draws Attention Ahead of Opening Day