LOS ANGELES, CA — After the Los Angeles Dodgers picked up his $10 million club option for the 2026 season, veteran slugger Max Muncy delivered an unusually heartfelt and honest reflection on his future, revealing a deep gratitude for the team that resurrected his career and a calm confidence in the path ahead.
The confession highlights the remarkable turnaround of the longest-tenured Dodger player and explains why he remains committed to the team that gave him a second chance, even as his contract status raises questions about the long-term plan at third base.
The Honest Confession: “I Wouldn’t Still Be Playing”
The most striking moment of honesty came when Muncy, 35, addressed the sheer unlikeliness of his career arc—from being released by the Oakland A’s in 2017 to becoming the Dodgers’ all-time postseason home run leader (16).
“I wouldn’t still be playing baseball if not for this team,” Muncy said candidly, reflecting on his minor league contract offer from the Dodgers after his release. “I thought it was over. And now I get to chase a third straight World Series.”
This profound gratitude underlies his entire approach to his contract, explaining why he has previously been willing to sign below-market-value extensions to stay in Los Angeles:
Loyalty vs. Money: Muncy has acknowledged his deals have been “under value,” but stresses that the value of “being able to stay in LA” and compete for championships is the ultimate reward.
The Glue: With Clayton Kershaw’s retirement, Muncy is now the club’s longest-tenured player and a crucial clubhouse leader. He remains the definition of a “clutch” player, delivering a pivotal home run in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.
The Future: Trust in the “Process”
The Dodgers’ decision to exercise the option keeps Muncy in the fold for 2026, but it does not add any guaranteed years to his deal, making him a free agent in 2027. This raised questions about whether the team is preparing to move on, particularly with the availability of younger stars like Alex Bregman.
Muncy addressed this uncertainty with a zen-like trust in the Dodgers’ front office:
“You know, I think that… we’ve created such a good relationship with [President of Baseball Operations] Andrew [Friedman] and Brandon and Alex and all those guys over there that… there’s just not really any rush to get to that point,” he explained, noting that extension talks have always happened gradually.
His confidence suggests he understands the Dodgers’ strategy: they prioritize financial flexibility and the ability to chase high-end talent, and Muncy, having benefitted from their championship environment, is willing to operate within that fluid system. He’s happy to focus on a three-peat in 2026 and let the long-term contract talk take care of itself.
