Why Max Muncy Loves the Dodgers (Even for Less Money)

The Dodgers Are a Special Team

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a special organization, both on and off the field.

• They are special in how they play the game.
• They are also special in how they treat people behind the scenes.

Why Players Like Playing for the Dodgers

It’s why so many players have enjoyed their time with the franchise, and why the team has been able to see a lot of success over the last decade-plus. Los Angeles has invested a ton of time and money into different areas across the organization, and it’s made a massive difference with the players.

• Players enjoy being with the team.
• The team has won a lot in the last 10+ years.
• The Dodgers spent lots of time and money to improve everything around the players.

Important: The Dodgers’ big investment in their people and places has helped them win and made players happy.

One Player Who Stayed for Less Money

One player in particular has enjoyed his time with the Dodgers more than most, even taking less money to remain with the organization. All-Star third baseman Max Muncy has had multiple chances to leave the Dodgers for richer contracts, but each time, he’s chosen to remain in Los Angeles.

• Max Muncy is an All-Star third baseman (a third baseman plays defense at the third base spot).
• He could have left for teams that would pay him more.
• Every time, he said "no" to more money and "yes" to staying.

Why Muncy Chose to Stay

Muncy opened up about why he’s made this decision to take less money, even with the strong production he’s seen.

"For me, it was never about getting the money. It was always about getting the opportunity to win," Muncy said to the Orange County Register. "That was the thing for me. If I’m going to play this game that I love, the reason I love it is because I love to compete, I want to be in the best spot to compete to win and there’s no better spot than here. That was always the deciding factor in those decisions. That’s why it’s always been a no-brainer for me."

"The money didn’t really matter. It’s the chance to compete and win and I get that every day here."

• Muncy loves to compete (play hard to win).
• He believes the Dodgers give him the best chance to win.
• Money was not his main goal.

Muncy’s Contract Details

The Dodgers signed Muncy to a contract extension over the offseason, paying the star $7 million for 2027 (while guaranteeing him $10 million). Muncy also has a club option for $10 million in 2028, both of which are well below the market value that he could get from other teams.

• Contract extension: a new deal to keep playing with the same team.
• 2027 pay: $7 million (with $10 million guaranteed total).
• 2028 option: team can choose to pay $10 million.
• These numbers are lower than what other teams would likely pay him.

Winning and Family Feel

But for Muncy, he has wanted to stay with the Dodgers, helping this organization go after as many World Series titles as possible. So far, he has helped them win three championships, and if he has any say, the team isn’t close to being done.

The slugger has cherished his time with the Dodgers, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

"It’s gotten to the point now where I don’t even know if I could put on a different uniform," Muncy said. "I can’t imagine putting on any other color. Not being in this stadium with these coaches, the staff members, the clubbies, the training staff. … I know everybody. Everyone is like family here. That was part of it, trying to find a place where you can build those relationships again didn’t sound appealing to me."

• "Slugger" is a player who hits the ball really well.
• He has helped win 3 World Series (the biggest championship in baseball).
• He feels the team is like his family.

How Muncy Joined the Dodgers

Muncy first signed with the Dodgers on a minor league contract in 2017 after being released by the Athletics organization. The slugger worked hard to become the three-time All-Star that he is today, and the Dodgers have been a major part of it all.

Los Angeles saw something special in Muncy, and they allowed him the chance to prove himself at the big league level. But even the organization likely couldn’t have envisioned what Muncy has become and how crucial he’s been to the success of the team.

• Minor league contract: a starting deal in the lower levels, not the main team at first.
• He was let go by the Athletics before the Dodgers gave him a chance.
• Now he is a 3-time All-Star (one of the best players chosen each year).

Muncy’s Big Impact on the Field

In 2025, the Dodgers went 60-40 in the 100 games that Muncy played, as opposed to 33-29 without him due to injury. The veteran is a critical piece for the Dodgers, and both sides need each other in different ways.

Muncy was again announced as an All-Star this season, finally being named a starter in the National League. So far this year, he has hit .259 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .842.

He’s also transformed himself as a defender, ranking in the 80th percentile in terms of Outs Above Average.

• In 2025: 60 wins, 40 losses with him; 33 wins, 29 losses without him.
• This year’s stats:
  • Batting average: .259 (how often he gets a hit)
  • Home runs: 17 (big hits over the fence)
  • RBIs: 40 (runs brought in by his hits)
  • OPS: .842 (a mixed score of hitting skill)
• Defender ranking: top 20% in Outs Above Average (how many extra outs he helps make).

Important: Muncy and the Dodgers help each other — he plays great, and they give him a winning, family-like home.

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Summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a special team that spends time and money to help players succeed. Max Muncy turned down more money elsewhere to stay because he loves competing to win and feels the Dodgers are family. He took a lower-paid extension, helped win 3 titles, and remains a key player with strong stats and defense. Both Muncy and the Dodgers need each other to keep winning.

FAQ

1. Who is Max Muncy?
Max Muncy is an All-Star third baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers who first joined them in 2017 and is now a three-time All-Star.

2. Why did Muncy take less money to stay with the Dodgers?
He said it was never about money; he wanted the best chance to compete and win, and he feels the team is like family.

3. What did Muncy’s contract extension include?
He will be paid $7 million for 2027 (with $10 million guaranteed) and has a team option of $10 million for 2028, both below market value.

4. How important is Muncy to the Dodgers?
Very important — in 2025 they won more with him than without him, and he has helped them win three World Series championships.

5. What are Muncy’s stats this season?
He is hitting .259 with 17 home runs, 40 RBIs, an OPS of .842, and is in the top 20% for defensive outs.