Mariners closer Andres Muñoz working on new pitch that could make him more dominant

With spring training here, the buzz is palpable. Not just from the usual chatter about young arms refining their pitches, but from a surprising development that could redefine dominance on the mound.

While young arms like Bryce Miller are perfecting their cutters and Emerson Hancock is cranking up his fastball velocity, a surprising development is capturing attention. Seattle Mariners’ closer Andres Muñoz is adding a new weapon to his arsenal, and it’s turning heads.

In a recent bullpen session, Muñoz surprised teammates and coaches alike by unleashing a changeup he’d been honing in secret. Known primarily for his electric fastball and devastating sinker, Muñoz’s latest offering immediately created a stir in the clubhouse. The pitch, characterized by a remarkable 10-inch vertical drop, left observers in awe of its deceptive movement.

Notably, fellow standout pitcher Matt Brash, widely recognized for having one of the league’s best sliders, didn’t hold back. “It’s the best pitch I’ve ever seen,” Brash remarked—an endorsement that speaks volumes coming from a player with an eye for precision and mechanics.

Mariners closer Andres Muñoz adding changeup to pitch mix

For any batter stepping into the box, this spells trouble. Muñoz isn’t known for holding back; his fastball and sinker routinely hit triple digits. His slider, averaging 87.6 mph, has even flirted with the 90s, and at times the high 90s in critical moments last season to keep the league’s best hitters off balance.

Fresh off a career season that earned him his first All-Star nod — with 22 saves, 77 strikeouts over just 59 1/3 innings and a sparkling 2.12 ERA — Muñoz has long been a dominant force. Now, the addition of a changeup boasting a dramatic 10-inch vertical drop could elevate his game to a whole new level.

When reporters caught up with Muñoz, he was just as surprised by the quick spread of word about his new pitch. While he remains cautious, acknowledging that he’s still fine-tuning its control, the potential is undeniable. Once perfected, this changeup could transform the dynamic of the ninth inning, leaving opposing batters scrambling to adjust to a newly unpredictable offering.

As spring training unfolds, all eyes will be on Muñoz. Should he master this changeup, the back end of the Mariners' bullpen could end up being arguably the best in MLB.