Inside The Mariners

Seattle Mariners Star Actually Hasn't Committed to Playing in World Baseball Classic... Yet

Reports last week indicated that Andres Munoz was already signed onto play for Team Mexico at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but new information indicates that he's merely been in communication about the possibility.
Brady Farkas|
Seattle Mariners reliever Andres Munoz (75) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at T-Mobile Park on April 27.
Seattle Mariners reliever Andres Munoz (75) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at T-Mobile Park on April 27. | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

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May 19, 3:55 p.m. PT: Despite the initial reports last week, Munoz hasn't officially confirmed his participation in the event just yet. It still remains a strong possibility that he will suit up for Mexico, but he's merely communicated with the national team about the possibility at this point.

Per WBC Insider Shawn Spradling on social media:

Furthermore, @MexicoBeis has put out a transcript of Lopez's comments, which says that Munoz has expressed interest and will be considered.

May 14: Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz is set to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, which will begin next March. Munoz will play for his native Mexico, likely serving as the team's closer.

This will be the first time that Munoz has played in the World Baseball Classic. Mexico went 3-1 in pool play last time around, eventually losing in the semifinals to Team Japan, who went onto win the title.

While other roster commitments are not finalized at this time, Mexico has a chance to have a very strong roster yet again. Current Mariner Randy Arozarena starred for the team in 2023 and current Mariner Rowdy Tellez also played for Mexico. Big leaguers like Jarren Duran, Alex Verdugo, Isaac Paredes and Jose Urquidy also lined the roster.

Munoz, 26, is out to a great start for the Mariners this season. He's 1-0 with a perfect 0.00 ERA through 19 games. He's got 13 saves, striking out 26 batters in 19.0 innings. His 13 saves lead the American League entering play on Thursday.

A six-year veteran of the Mariners and San Diego Padres, he was an All-Star in 2024. He's 11-20 lifetime with a 2.42 ERA.

The Mariners are off on Thursday but they'll return to play on Friday night when they visit the Padres at 6:40 p.m. PT. The M's have lost five of six games to fall to 23-19, though they still lead the American League West. San Diego is one of the best teams in baseball, sitting at 27-15.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

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