In a decisive move that signals the Dodgers aren’t merely resting on back-to-back championships, the franchise has officially exercised 2026 club options for infielder Max Muncy and left-handed reliever Alex Vesia. The decisions came Thursday night, and they carry enormous implications for the team’s future — and for the careers of the two players whose next chapter is now locked in.
Max Muncy, now 35, will remain with the Dodgers for at least one more year at a guaranteed $10 million salary. Consider the full arc: Muncy first signed in Los Angeles as a minor league free agent, rose through the ranks, and over the last several seasons became one of the franchise’s most clutch hitters. Despite missing 47 games in 2025 due to a knee bone bruise and an oblique strain, he still logged a .243 average with 19 homers and 67 RBIs across 100 games.
But what truly cements his place in Dodgers lore? His postseason performance. Muncy blasted his 16th career postseason home run (a franchise record) during the Game-7 comeback in Toronto, securing L.A.’s second straight World Series title.
By picking up his option, the Dodgers are saying this: “We believe you still have gas in the tank—and we believe you’re worth the roster spot, the money, and the message you send to younger players.”
Meanwhile, Alex Vesia has also been secured via his club option at $3.65 million for 2026. This left-handed reliever emerged as a key piece of Los Angeles’ bullpen this season, posting a 3.02 ERA across 68 appearances, tallying 80 strikeouts in 59⅔ innings, and matching a career high five saves.
The move might seem smaller in dollar value compared to Muncy’s, but it’s crucial. Relievers are volatile pieces in modern baseball, and the Dodgers locking in Vesia signals they believe his form is sustainable and part of their blueprint for continued contention.
These option-exercises do more than keep players under contract. They send a message: the Dodgers are not rebuilding. They are reloading. With their core intact, L.A. is doubling down on depth, experience, and continuity. In a league where stars come and go, retaining a veteran slugger and a bullpen workhorse matters.
Contrast that with the fact that L.A. also designated pitcher Tony Gonsolin for assignment the same day — a clear shift, as they said goodbye to an injury-plagued arm and said yes to proven contributors.
The countdown to spring training 2026 begins with stability in the roster. Muncy gives the Dodgers a known power option, one with playoff history and a clubhouse presence. Vesia delivers bullpen consistency, which can make the difference in tight October games.
But there are questions. Can Muncy stay healthy again? Can Vesia elevate his performance even more or will he regress like many relievers do? The moves aren’t risk-free—but that’s the nature of baseball in the post-season chase.
For Dodgers fans, however, this might be the most satisfying part: two players who helped deliver championships aren’t walking away just yet. The parade isn’t over. The chase isn’t over.
And for Max Muncy and Alex Vesia? Their futures just got a little clearer—and the stage that once spotlighted them is turning up the lights once more.
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