Max Muncy Signs Contract Extension with Dodgers
This winter, Max Muncy officially became the longest-serving player for the Dodgers, a title he earned after Clayton Kershaw’s retirement marked the end of an era. Muncy has been with the team for eight seasons.
On the brink of spring training, Muncy solidified his future in Los Angeles by agreeing to a one-year contract extension valued at $10 million, which also includes a $10 million club option for 2028.
At 35, Muncy was poised to enter free agency at the season’s close after the Dodgers opted for the $10 million option on his existing contract. Over the years, he has made it clear he wants to spend the rest of his career in Los Angeles.
The new deal includes a $7 million salary for 2027, along with a $3 million buyout for 2028, contingent on the option being exercised. This arrangement could see him playing through the 2028 season, which would be significant as he turns 37 that year.
Interestingly, when Muncy joined the Dodgers in 2017, he wasn’t viewed as a cornerstone player. He had been released by the Athletics after brief stints in the big leagues and ended up signing a minor league deal with Los Angeles. His first year with the club was spent in Triple-A, where he attempted to redefine his game at the age of 26.
However, 2018 marked a turning point for him. Muncy boasted an impressive .263 batting average and hit 35 home runs. The following year, he earned his first All-Star selection after matching that home run total again. In 2020, he played a crucial role in helping the Dodgers win the World Series. Though he made the MVP top ten in 2021, an elbow injury in the last game of the regular season prevented him from participating in the playoffs.
Injuries have been an ongoing challenge for Muncy since then, with oblique issues being particularly troublesome in recent seasons.
Nevertheless, whenever he’s on the field, the lefty has managed to contribute significantly, even making headlines as one of the most notable hitters during a brief absence last season.
As he heads into the 2026 season, Muncy is set to reclaim his position as the everyday third baseman, adding depth to the lower half of the batting order. And more importantly, his future with the Dodgers is now secured for at least the next few seasons, potentially marking over a decade of loyalty to the team.
