Dodgers Pick Up Max Muncy’s Option, Extending Partnership with Key Veteran

After winning a second consecutive World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to command attention well beyond the diamond. While most franchises fade from the national spotlight once the champagne dries, L.A. remains front and center as baseball’s offseason begins. Their combination of star power, financial muscle, and long-term vision ensures that every move draws scrutiny.

The team’s first decision of what could be a busy winter came Thursday, when the Dodgers picked up Max Muncy’s $10 million team option. The move guarantees the veteran slugger’s return for at least one more season, keeping one of the club’s longest-tenured and most productive hitters in Dodger Blue.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is expected to make further headline-grabbing acquisitions this offseason, but this early decision underscores something deeper than star-hunting. Los Angeles isn’t just chasing talent — it’s preserving relationships that have come to define the team’s identity during its dynastic run.

For Muncy, the decision is both professional validation and personal reward. Once a journeyman looking for a roster spot, he’s now a cornerstone in one of baseball’s most stable and successful organizations.

1. Muncy’s Journey from Castoff to Core Player

Max Muncy’s story remains one of the Dodgers’ defining success stories of the modern era. After being released by the Oakland Athletics in 2017, he signed a minor league deal with Los Angeles — a move that reshaped his career. Over the next eight seasons, Muncy evolved into one of the Dodgers’ most reliable power hitters and an emotional leader in the clubhouse. The 35-year-old has hit more postseason home runs than any player in franchise history, a testament to both his consistency and his knack for performing under pressure. Despite battling injuries and inconsistency in 2025, Muncy remained an integral part of the lineup, hitting .243 with 19 home runs and 67 RBIs in 100 games. His .846 OPS underscored his continued offensive value even in a down year. At a team event last week, Muncy reflected on what the Dodgers mean to him personally. “It means everything,” he told reporters. “I wouldn’t still be in baseball if it wasn’t for the Dodgers. To get another year with them, hopefully I can get more in there, really means a lot to me.” For both Muncy and the Dodgers, the extension symbolizes more than just a business transaction — it represents loyalty, development, and mutual respect.

2. Building on “The Dodger Way”

Los Angeles has earned a reputation not only for assembling superstars but also for cultivating undervalued players into major contributors. The so-called “Dodger Way” blends elite analytics with a culture of patience, adaptability, and player development. Muncy is the embodiment of that system’s success. He arrived in Los Angeles as a castoff; he stayed because the organization saw potential others missed. His rise from a minor league signing to a three-time World Series champion demonstrates how the Dodgers turn overlooked talent into integral parts of a winning culture. Critics often focus on L.A.’s deep payroll and ability to outspend competitors. Yet Muncy’s story is a reminder that this franchise’s success rests equally on scouting, development, and internal belief. The Dodgers’ front office has consistently combined financial strength with strategic precision — an approach that has built both depth and durability. By exercising Muncy’s option, the Dodgers are reaffirming their belief in continuity and chemistry. It’s a move that preserves leadership in the clubhouse while sending a message that loyalty still matters amid constant roster turnover.

3. A Veteran Presence in a Championship Machine

Heading into 2026, Muncy’s return adds another layer of stability to a team already stacked with All-Stars. With Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman anchoring the lineup, Muncy’s left-handed power and postseason experience provide balance and reliability. His familiarity with the team’s system makes him invaluable as younger players continue to integrate into the roster. Beyond statistics, Muncy represents the culture the Dodgers strive to maintain — a blend of professionalism, humility, and competitiveness. His voice carries weight in a clubhouse that mixes veterans with emerging stars. For the Dodgers, the offseason will likely bring more headline moves as they aim for a potential three-peat. But re-signing Muncy underscores an important truth: sustained success depends as much on keeping trusted veterans as it does on chasing marquee names. For Muncy himself, the decision means another chance to contribute to a legacy he helped build — and to continue writing his story with the only team that ever truly believed in him.