06/08/2026
The Seattle Mariners suffered a disappointing loss to the Detroit Tigers, blowing a 4-1 lead in a game they should have won.
Three significant factors contributing to their underwhelming performance this season have been Rob Refsnyder's liability, manager Dan Wilson's incompetence, and closer Andres Munoz's unreliability.
The Mariners had opportunities to secure the game but failed to capitalize, particularly in two crucial at-bats with runners in scoring position against a left-handed pitcher, where Refsnyder, as he has all season, failed to deliver.
It is likely that when Cal Raleigh returns, the team may consider designating Refsnyder for assignment and utilizing Jhonny Pereda as a designated hitter against left-handed pitching, similar to Luis Torrens' role in 2021.
Although Pereda has struggled in challenges, ranking 85th out of 88, limiting his role to batting may be the best option.
During the Mariners' eight-game winning streak, I was often asked if I still believed Dan Wilson should be replaced as manager. My response was that the team wins despite his management.
Wilson's management in this particular game was egregious, exemplified by his decision to have Refsnyder take the two most critical at-bats of the game by design and his mismanagement of the bullpen.
In a 4-1 game in the seventh inning, Wilson attempted to conserve relievers for another game, allowing the Tigers to gain momentum by pitching Cooper Criswell.
Criswell failed to record an out and surrendered a two-run triple, making it 4-3.
Fortunately, Gabe Speier stranded the runner on third. Wilson then utilized Eduard Bazardo, whom he was saving for the next day anyway.
Ultimately, Andres Munoz, facing the bottom of the order, walked the eighth and ninth hitters before giving up a game-winning, walk-off hit to rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle.
Wilson's decision to have Munoz pitch to the red-hot, left-handed-hitting McGonigle over the slumping, right-handed-hitting Gleyber Torres was questionable.
The Mariners will likely need to trade for a closer, as Munoz's performance has been inconsistent. This does not necessarily mean that Munoz's career is over, but rather that closers often experience random off-years due to small sample sizes.
Munoz's advanced numbers indicate a 3.62 FIP, which is not as poor as his 5.40 ERA but still too high for a closer.
Munoz currently boasts a career-high 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings, a low of 3.5 walks per nine innings, despite yesterday's performance, which is his lowest since 2022.
However, his 8.9 hits per nine innings and 1.5 home runs per nine innings are concerning, as these numbers were significantly lower in previous seasons.
In theory, Munoz should be able to recover, but the Mariners, who are contending for a World Series, cannot afford to take that risk.
This may cause discomfort for team president Jerry Dipoto and fans, but to acquire a high-leverage reliever, the team will likely need to part with high-end prospects such as Laz Montes, Johnny Farmelo, or Felnin Celesten.
Alternatively, they could explore trading two years of George Kirby if Luis Castillo continues to pitch well.
Dipoto cannot afford to fail in acquiring an elite leverage arm. I do not want to hear about near-misses, such as the Jhoan Duran trade; the Mariners need a proven closer, which they currently lack.
Ideally, Dipoto would trade for Aroldis Chapman and Willson Contreras from the Boston Red Sox, addressing two significant issues.
Munoz can still contribute to the team, but for now, the Mariners should consider using Matt Brash and Jose Ferrer as closers until they acquire a more reliable option.
