The 2026 season may mark the closing chapter of a remarkable run in Los Angeles: according to league insiders, Max Muncy is expected to play his final year with the Los Angeles Dodgers. At 35 years old and after the team elected to pick up his $10 million club option, many see next year as the last dance for one of L.A.’s most consistent sluggers.
Since joining the Dodgers in 2018, Muncy has become a central figure in the club’s lineup — a two-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, and the team’s all-time leader in postseason home runs. Over that span, he’s belted 209 home runs with the Dodgers and driven in hundreds of RBIs, earning praise for both his power bat and veteran presence.
In the twilight of his contract, Muncy remains under club control — a nod to the value the Dodgers still see in him, even amid free agency speculation.
At 35, Muncy is no longer the youthful slugger who burst onto the scene; age and wear have caught up. Despite a respectable 2025 campaign — .243 batting average, 19 home runs, 67 RBIs — recurring injuries (oblique strain, knee bone bruise) and occasional slumps have raised doubts about his long-term viability as a core fixture.=
With a deep farm system and young talent pushing for playing time, some insiders believe the Dodgers may opt to move on after 2026 — perhaps monetizing Muncy’s remaining value in trade, or simply letting his contract expire.
Despite speculation, Muncy appears ready for one more ride. After the club picked up his 2026 option, he expressed gratitude and outlook for a strong season: “Getting another year with the Dodgers — that means everything. I still want to chase another World Series ring.”
For the Dodgers, the decision to retain Muncy reflects both respect for his contributions and a wait-and-see approach. Given the uncertain market and Muncy’s team-friendly contract, picking up the option offers low risk and keeps options open.
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Production & health: Can Muncy stay healthy and deliver at the plate? At this stage, moderate production and availability may matter more than All-Star numbers.
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Emerging talent: Will youngsters in the Dodgers’ system challenge for playing time at third base or corner infield spots? A breakout candidate could push Muncy to part ways.
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Postseason push: If 2026 becomes a playoff run, Muncy’s postseason experience could prove valuable — potentially shaping whether he retires as a Dodger legend or seeks one last payday elsewhere.
For nearly a decade, Max Muncy has been a fixture — and a dependable one — in the Dodgers’ lineup. But as 2026 looms, all signs point to a final act in Los Angeles. Whether he bows out with one last championship or quietly rides off into the sunset, Muncy’s tenure with the Dodgers will soon be counted among the franchise’s storied legacies.
For fans, that means cherishing every swing, every RBI — because the countdown has officially begun.
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