The longest-serving active player on the Los Angeles Dodgers is power-hitting infielder Max Muncy (35). With pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who had been with the team for 18 years, retiring, Muncy inherited that title. Muncy, who joined the Dodgers through a minor league contract in April 2017, has quietly reached his 10th year with the organization. By major league standards, he is entering his ninth season.
If Muncy did not have affection for the team, such a long run would have been impossible. Muncy extended his contract with the Dodgers no fewer than four times. Starting with a 3+1 year $26 million deal in February 2020, then a 1+1 year $13.5 million deal in August 2022, a 2+1 year $24 million deal in November 2023, and most recently on the 13th (Korean time) he again extended with the Dodgers for 1+1 years $10 million. The deal included a $7 million salary in 2027 and a $10 million club option for 2028 (with a $3 million buyout). He was guaranteed at least 10 seasons with the Dodgers.
Had Muncy not accepted the extension, he could have earned more money as a free agent after the season. Although he is in his mid-30s and a long-term deal would be difficult, he is recognized as a third baseman roughly second to José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians), so he could have commanded a much better contract than the terms he agreed with the Dodgers.
But Muncy accepted the Dodgers' low offer again. In an interview with Dodgers Territory on the 21st, he explained why he agreed to an early extension before the season, saying, "The relationships I've built with the front office, their understanding of my role and place here, and the family-like familiarity. It was an easy decision in every way. I know people say I gave up money, but where would I want to go?" and added, "The Dodgers are the best baseball team. There is a chance to win every year. I've built a legacy here. Why would I want to go somewhere else? It wouldn't make sense because of greed. And what I want to talk about most is family."
My children were born in LA, and the only thing they know is the Dodgers. They know Dodger Stadium and all the people who work there. I love everyone. Is there any reason to leave the only home my children have known their whole lives to chase a little more money? It doesn't make sense. Above all, the ultimate reason I play baseball is to compete and win. The Dodgers offer the best chance to do that. It was a very easy decision for me. I'm happy to have the chance to win a few more championship rings.
A team players want to join and do not want to leave. That is the direction Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, pursues. In an interview with Fangraphs Territory on the 21st, Friedman said, "We've been talking for 10 to 11 years about building a franchise that is a destination. Winning is something we can't control, but the way we communicate with players, our honest approach, how we treat families, and how we develop and share information are things we can control. Our goal and driving force is to make players not want to leave the team and to make other players crave to go to the Dodgers."
There is a reason the team has become one every player aspires to join. There has been unseen dedication from the Dodgers front office that genuinely treats players well. Muncy emphasized, "Every new player talks about how well the Dodgers treat players and their families. The front office listens to players' opinions and wants to know what they need. They listen to what we say and remodel the ballpark, and the clubhouse—everything is set up with the player in mind. Being treated as an individual means a lot to many players."
Muncy, who dreams of retiring with the Dodgers, now feels the responsibility as the team's senior player to carry on the culture. He praised Kershaw, saying, "When I first came here, Kershaw led by example. It wasn't just words; the way he prepared for training and his passion rubbed off on me. I always tried to emulate what Kershaw did. He was the best, and when a player like that works hard, I have to work hard too. He set an example to train hard on the field every day and to be thoroughly prepared, while trying to enjoy it as much as possible. Kershaw was a model figure in this clubhouse."
He added, "Now I have to continue the example Kershaw left behind. I have to teach young players what it truly means to be a Dodger. I don't want to disappoint Kershaw, and I want to continue that legacy. I'll come out every day and train as hard as possible and work each day to get better. I don't want to set a bad example for anyone. When you take the field, I'll always show that the team matters more than the individual."
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