Olney’s ranking emphasizes Muñoz’s consistent dominance, noting four straight years with an ERA+ of at least 135 and a standout 2025 with 83 strikeouts in 62⅓ innings, a .493 OPS allowed, and just two homers over 64 appearances. The right-hander, who leaned heavily on a plus slider despite a blazing fastball, helped Seattle clinch the AL West and secured a $7 million club option for 2026.
Speier also receives notable recognition, rising to sixth among MLB relievers after a resilient 2025 campaign. Following a 2024 injury, he posted a 2.61 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 2025, holding lefties to a .179 average and outperforming righties as well. Seattle’s depth at the back end of the bullpen is further supported by the addition of Jose Ferrer in a offseason trade, potentially easing workloads for Speier.
Both Muñoz and Speier are set to compete in the World Baseball Classic, joining Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, outfielders Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena, and others as part of Team rosters. The club’s improving relief corps comes amid ongoing momentum heading into spring training and the 2026 season.
Mariners reliever Matt Brash publicly praised Speier, calling him the current best left-handed reliever in baseball and underscoring the group’s reliance on his performance throughout the year. The combination of virtual frontline closers and adaptable bullpen arms positions Seattle to maintain a strong late-inning presence.
In summary, Olney’s top-10 reliever rankings spotlight Muñoz’s elite closer profile and Speier’s resurgence, reinforcing Seattle’s bullpen as a key strength entering 2026 and the World Baseball Classic period.
