From Unnoticed to the Longest-Tenured in Team History: Max Muncy's Journey of Resilience in Dodger Blue

About nine years ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed a 26-year-old infielder who had been released by the Oakland Athletics, the last-place team the previous year. This was the humble beginning in April 2017 when Max Muncy joined the Dodgers.

That year, he stayed with Triple-A Oklahoma City, received a non-roster invitation to spring training the following year, and was first called up to the major leagues in 2018. Since then, he has been selected to the All-Star Game twice and won three World Series championships. Most unexpectedly, among current Dodgers players, Muncy has become the longest-tenured member of the major league club. Compared to his unhappy ending with the Athletics who drafted him, his experience with the Dodgers has far exceeded his wildest imagination.

“I never could have imagined it in a million years,” Muncy said earlier in spring training. “That was one of my problems in Oakland—I didn’t fully believe in myself. I could never have pictured myself getting to this point. It’s been a special journey for me, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

For many years, the title of “longest-tenured Dodger” belonged to Clayton Kershaw, the all-time great left-handed pitcher who was destined for greatness from a young age. His 18 years in Los Angeles set a standard of leading by example, and even after his retirement, his influence on the team culture remains.

Muncy came from a more humble background and a lower starting point. Yet, the respect he commands in the Dodgers clubhouse is comparable to Kershaw’s. He is one of the veterans who carries on that understated leadership style, which resonates with younger teammates.

“Everyone respects him,” outfielder Ryan Ward said. “He’s definitely one of the leaders in the clubhouse, and the respect everyone gives him is well-earned. He also respects everyone in return.”

In his eight-year Dodgers career, Muncy has already built his own legacy. He ranks seventh in franchise history with 209 home runs and holds the team’s postseason home run record (16 and counting). He has proven to be a key cog in the Dodgers lineup, doing the little things that help the offense run smoothly even when he isn’t delivering game-changing hits.

His impact has far exceeded any expectations for a player originally signed to a minor league contract. Moreover, it is unlikely Muncy will hit the free-agent market a second time.

When Muncy signed a one-year, $10 million guaranteed extension for 2027 with a team option for 2028, some noted he might have left money on the table in his career, but he doesn’t see it that way.

“There were a lot of factors involved, but money was the last consideration,” Muncy said. “The biggest thing for me in making this decision was my family. My kids were born in Los Angeles. They only know the Dodgers. They love the Dodgers, love Dodger Blue, love going to the ballpark, and know everyone there.”

“I wanted a chance to win. I wanted my family to be in a comfortable place, and this is the best team, the best organization in baseball. Where else would I go? When you put it all together, it was the easiest decision you could make.”

Early in Muncy’s tenure with Los Angeles, the Dodgers roster was built more around players they drafted and developed themselves. Or, like Muncy, gems they discovered. Today, the team is a big-spending buyer, seemingly in the mix for every notable free agent.

The Dodgers’ winning record and willingness to spend have played a role in their ability to sign top free agents, but stories like Muncy’s carry significant weight as well. The organization strives to make itself a destination, and hearing that from a player who blossomed in Los Angeles like Muncy adds extra credibility.

“His path is certainly unique,” manager Dave Roberts said. “What stands out about Max is how much he loves being a Dodger. He took less money, didn’t test free agency, because he wanted to stay here. To me, that’s the kind of trait you want as many players as possible to have—just wanting to be here.”