Andrés Muñoz Evolves from Power Pitcher to Master of Complexity

SEATTLE, Wash. — Andrés Muñoz has transformed from a power pitcher to one of Major League Baseball‘s most complex closers.

Since his debut with the San Diego Padres on July 13, 2019, Muñoz has captured attention with his remarkable velocity, clocking in at 100.6 mph during his first pitch. At just 20 years old, he was the epitome of a fastball-dominating reliever, using his four-seam fastball 67.1% of the time, while his slider made up only 32% of his pitches.

However, his promising trajectory hit a halt following Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for more than a year and led to his transfer to the Seattle Mariners. This difficult period prompted a significant evolution in his pitching style.

Today, Muñoz has shifted his focus dramatically. Since 2022, his slider has become his primary pitch, utilized in 50.4% of his total throws. In contrast, the fastball is now used merely 35.8% of the time. In total, he has thrown 522 sliders this year, compared to 371 four-seam fastballs.

Muñoz’s slider is known for its impressive rotation and break, averaging 86.1 mph with a spin rate of 2,356 RPM. This pitch creates an effective speed difference from his fastball, proving that his strategy has moved from reliance on raw speed to a more nuanced approach.

The evolution of Muñoz’s pitching showcases how embracing diversity in pitch selection can lead to greater success. His transformation gives him a competitive edge as one of the most dominant closers in today’s game.

“The power is still a foundational element,” Muñoz said. “But mastering a variety of pitches has solidified my role and performance.”