The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Max Muncy on a two-year contract extension through the 2025 season for $24 million ($12 million average annual value). The deal includes a $10 million club option for 2026 as well.
Muncy went into the offseason still under team control for 2024 by way of a $14 million team option, which also included a buyout. It was part of a deal Muncy signed in August 2022 that had team option with a base salary of $10 million, which increased in value due to Muncy reaching incentives.
The 33-year-old returns for his seventh season with the Dodgers after clubbing 36 homers in 2023, matching his career high. During the campaign, he hit .212/.333/.475 and recorded a career-high 105 RBI.
Muncy, along with teammates Mookie Betts (107), J.D Martinez (103) and Freddie Freeman (102), became the first quartet in Dodgers franchise history with at least 100 RBI in a season as the team scored an L.A. Dodgers record 906 runs.
The two-time All-Star has played in 751 games for the Dodgers, hitting 175 homers and driving in 472 runs. During his All-Star year in 2021, Muncy set career highs in games played (144), hits (124), doubles (26), home runs (36), extra-base hits (64) and total bases (262).
Muncy’s 175 home runs with the Dodgers rank sixth in L.A. franchise history, two behind Hall of Famer Mike Piazza for fifth place on the list.
He has been in the Major Leagues parts of eight seasons with Oakland (2015-16) and Los Angeles (2018-23), hitting a combined .227/.351/.473 with 180 homers and 489 RBI in 847 games.
Muncy was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of Baylor University. Muncy originally joined the Dodgers in 2017 on a Minor League contract.
In February 2020, he was signed to a three-year contract that included a $13 million team option (or $1.5 million buyout) for the 2023 season.
That then became fully guaranteed in August of last year when the Dodgers signed Muncy to a one-year, $13.5 million contract extension that included a $10 million team option with incentives for 2024.
What is the plan for Max Muncy?
Muncy will presumably start at third base in 2024, but he also provides insurance at first base, second base, and designated hitter. J.D. Martinez is a free agent, which leaves an open spot for Muncy to slide into that role if the team wished to upgrade their defense at third base.
However, with their expected pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, who would also play DH, that would keep Muncy in the infield for the next two seasons.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
