The Los Angeles Dodgers are already shaping their roster for future seasons. One of their biggest moves came with the announcement that they’ve exercised Max Muncy’s $10 million club option for the 2026 campaign.
This decision secures the services of one of the team’s most important and longest-standing players in the post-Clayton Kershaw era. It also signals commitment to key bullpen pieces like Alex Vesia.
Alongside these moves, the Dodgers made several roster adjustments. They parted ways with injury-plagued pitcher Tony Gonsolin and added fresh talent from the minor leagues, showing a strong focus on both stability and future potential.
Max Muncy: The Dodgers’ New Longest-Tenured Star
With Clayton Kershaw officially retired, Max Muncy now holds the title of the Dodgers’ longest-tenured player. His journey really feels like the embodiment of resilience and opportunity in professional baseball.
Released by the Oakland Athletics in 2017, Muncy signed a minor league deal with Los Angeles. That move ended up redefining his entire career.
Since breaking out with the Dodgers in 2018, Muncy has delivered consistent power and production. He’s put up an .843 OPS, smashed 209 home runs, and driven in 587 RBIs.
He’s also made his mark in franchise history by setting the record for most postseason home runs with 16. That’s more than Justin Turner or Corey Seager ever managed in October.
Why Muncy’s Extension Matters
The Dodgers’ lineup has featured plenty of stars, but extending Muncy keeps a crucial left-handed bat in the heart of the order. His versatility — he can play both first and third base — gives the team more options beyond just his bat.
With some uncertainty around other veteran hitters, Muncy’s presence brings some needed stability heading into 2026. It’s hard to overstate how much that matters for a club with championship expectations.
Alex Vesia’s Return Strengthens the Bullpen
The Dodgers also exercised a $3.55 million option on reliever Alex Vesia. The 29-year-old played a big role in the bullpen last season, posting a 3.02 ERA and racking up 80 strikeouts over 59â…” innings.
His absence from the World Series due to a family emergency was noticeable. The front office’s choice to bring him back underlines just how much they value his presence moving forward.
An Effective Left-Handed Option
Vesia’s knack for missing bats and handling high-leverage spots is a critical asset for a team that’s always chasing deep playoff runs. In an era where bullpen depth can make or break a season, the Dodgers’ decision to lock him in early sends a clear message: they trust him as a late-inning weapon.
Roster Moves: Farewell to Tony Gonsolin and New Additions
Some players stayed, but others moved on. The Dodgers designated right-hander Tony Gonsolin for assignment after two seasons filled with injuries and elbow surgery.
He once looked like a promising rotation piece, but durability concerns led to his exit. It’s a tough break, but sometimes that’s just how baseball goes.
On the other side, the front office rewarded high-performing minor leaguers by adding Ryan Ward (outfielder) and Robinson Ortiz (left-handed pitcher) to the 40-man roster. Both of them enjoyed standout seasons in the minors and now get a real shot to prove themselves in the majors.
Other Roster Activity
The roster shuffling didn’t stop there. The San Francisco Giants claimed outfielder Justin Dean off waivers.
Meanwhile, right-hander Michael Grove — who missed the entire season due to shoulder surgery — was outrighted from the roster. These moves give the Dodgers some flexibility to chase offseason targets and make space for new talent to emerge.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Dodgers just locked in Muncy and Vesia while shaking up the roster. It’s a mix of loyalty, some calculated moves, and a bit of a gamble for the future.
- Max Muncy isn’t going anywhere—he’s still a cornerstone, bringing both leadership and steady production.
- Alex Vesia keeps the bullpen grounded and has shown he can handle postseason pressure.
- Younger guys like Ward and Ortiz add some new energy. Who knows how they’ll pan out, but it’s exciting to watch.
The Dodgers aren’t just thinking about next season. They’re clearly eyeing long-term success, as usual. Mixing experienced vets with hungry new faces, Los Angeles is setting itself up for another run—hoping to keep that championship window wide open through 2026.
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Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Dodgers pick up $10M option on Muncy
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