GLENDALE, AZ—Just before the Los Angeles Dodgers reported to spring training in Glendale, Arizona, to kick off the 2026 season, the team agreed to yet another extension with veteran third baseman Max Muncy.
Before the two sides came to that agreement, the Dodgers opted to exercise Muncy’s 1-year, $10 million club option for the 2026 season, a no-brainer for the club despite Muncy’s recent injury history over the last few seasons.
As highlighted in multiple articles on the subject, the Dodgers’ outlook for the hot corner is bleak, with the most likely replacement being Alex Freeland, who struggled in his brief stint with the club last summer.
Muncy’s status on this Dodgers team is also entering special territory as the left-handed slugger is now the longest tenured Dodgers player, taking the torch from Hall of Fame-bound Clayton Kershaw, who retired last season.
Like Kershaw, Muncy said it’s special to remain with the Dodgers, and while he did not play his entire career in Los Angeles, this latest extension is the fourth between the two sides, only adding to their desire to be together.
However, while the reported 1-year, $10 million contract extension with yet another club option for 2028 seems like a bargain, multiple incentives make the deal fair for both sides, according to Robert Murray of Fansided.
The 2026 incentives were included in the option that was picked up from the previous contract. It includes $15K in performance bonuses with each plate appearance from 401 to 550, with a maximum of $2.25 million.
From the extension: 2027 salary escalator based on 2026 plate appearances. $20K for each plate appearance from 401-500 and $35K for each plate appearance from 501-550, with a maximum of $3.75 million. The 2028 performance bonuses (if the option is exercised) includes $20K for each plate appearance from 401-500 and $35K for each plate appearance from 501-550, with a maximum of $3.75 million.
Muncy is coming off a solid 2025 season where the left-handed hitter slashed .243/.376/.470 with a 137 wRC+ but did miss a good chunk of the season with two separate injuries.
Still, Muncy’s leadership and postseason prowess haven’t gone unnoticed, as his 16 postseason home runs lead the franchise, along with his 46 runs scored. He ranks among the franchise leaders in several categories, including third in RBI (37), sixth in doubles (9), second in plate appearances (328), and tied for third in extra-base hits (25).
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