The Seattle Mariners and right-handed pitcher Bryce Miller have successfully avoided an arbitration hearing, reaching an agreement on a one-year contract for the 2026 season. The deal, finalized Tuesday, is worth $2.4375 million and also includes a club option valued at $6.075 million for the 2027 campaign. The agreement brings clarity to Miller’s immediate future with the organization while giving Seattle flexibility moving forward.
Earlier this month, the two sides were unable to finalize terms before arbitration figures were officially exchanged, raising the possibility of a hearing. However, continued discussions ultimately led to a compromise that satisfied both parties, ensuring Miller remains under contract without the need for arbitration proceedings. Avoiding arbitration is often viewed positively by teams, as it helps preserve relationships and provides cost certainty ahead of the season.
Miller’s 2025 season was a challenging one overall, largely due to health setbacks. The 26-year-old battled elbow issues on two separate occasions, limiting his availability and consistency throughout the regular season. As a result, his statistical line reflected the interruptions. Over 90.1 innings during the regular season, Miller posted a 5.68 ERA while recording 74 strikeouts against 34 walks. While those numbers fell short of expectations, they only tell part of the story.
Despite the struggles and missed time, Miller demonstrated resilience by returning late in the season and delivering strong performances when the Mariners needed him most. After working his way back to full strength, he was a key contributor down the stretch and into the postseason. In three playoff starts, Miller compiled an impressive 2.51 ERA across 14.1 innings, striking out nine batters while issuing five walks. His ability to elevate his performance under postseason pressure offered a glimpse of his upside and reaffirmed the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential.
The contrast between Miller’s regular-season struggles and postseason success underscores how significantly his health impacted his year. When fully healthy, the right-hander has shown the ability to command his pitches and generate quality outs against high-level competition. Seattle’s decision to include a sizable club option for 2027 reflects its belief that Miller can reestablish himself as a reliable rotation piece moving forward.
Encouragingly for both Miller and the Mariners, the pitcher is expected to enter spring training without any lingering injury concerns. Team officials believe he will arrive with a clean bill of health, allowing him to compete for a rotation role and build momentum ahead of Opening Day. A full, uninterrupted offseason could be crucial in helping Miller regain consistency and refine his mechanics.
For Seattle, securing Miller on a cost-controlled deal aligns with the club’s broader strategy of maintaining pitching depth while managing payroll efficiently. If Miller stays healthy and performs closer to his postseason form, the contract could prove to be a valuable investment. As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Miller’s progress as he looks to turn the page and deliver a bounce-back season in 2026.
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