The Los Angeles Dodgers know that to succeed this season, they need the best version of their players. While they have stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, one player they truly miss is their All-Star slugger Max Muncy.
There’s no doubt that the adjustments Muncy has made have transformed him into a highly valuable asset for manager Dave Roberts, and the team hopes he remains with the organization for years to come.
Max Muncy Nears Free Agency
While currently sidelined, and given the ups and downs of his 2025 season, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has predicted what might happen with Max Muncy and the Dodgers in the upcoming offseason.
“Muncy has said he wants to retire as a Dodger, and while that’s still far from a certainty, it seems likely that he will be back in 2026,”Feinsand wrote.
At 35 years old, Muncy has a $10 million club option for 2026, but his injury history will force the Dodgers to carefully evaluate their decision regarding this option.
After posting a dismal .180 batting average early in the 2025 season, Muncy knew changes were necessary. Diagnosed with astigmatism, his decision to wear glasses began to pay dividends.
Since adopting his new look, Muncy‘s offensive numbers have taken a remarkable turn: .289/.425/.598 with a 1.023 OPS. However, a serious knee injury in July halted his momentum for over a month. Upon returning, he showcased his quality, hitting .348 over eight games-until an oblique injury, similar to one he suffered the previous June, sidelined him again starting August 12.
For an organization like the Dodgers, a $10 million option is not as significant as it would be for a small-market team. Moreover, Muncy has been a cornerstone at third base for the past eight seasons, establishing himself as a key contributor in both defense and offense.
Following the surprising departures of Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor, the longest-tenured position players on the roster, the Dodgers’ front office may place even greater value on Muncy‘s historical significance and leadership in the Los Angeles clubhouse.
On the field, the third baseman boasts the second-highest Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among active third basemen this season (minimum 300 plate appearances). His 146 wRC+ is nearly 50% above the league average, underscoring his impact in the lineup.
Read the full article here
