Dodgers could trade for Max Muncy's successor at third base after Red Sox, Pirates deals

One of the easiest decisions the Los Angeles Dodgers made this offseason was picking up Max Muncy's $10 million option for the 2026 season. Regression appeared to be headed Muncy's way after he struggled at the start of the 2025 season, but a pair of glasses later, he turned things around to the tune of a 137 wRC+ and 19 home runs. Bringing Muncy back was obvious by the time the offseason started, but it doesn't mean Los Angeles shouldn't have an eye out for a potential replacement.

Muncy will be 36 when he becomes a free agent next winter, and for as great as his time in Los Angeles has been, it's the perfect opportunity for the Dodgers to get younger at the position.

The problem with that is the free-agent market next offseason is not deep on third basemen. Bo Bichette seems likely to opt out of his deal with the New York Mets, but outside of that, the pickings are slim.

Red Sox and Pirates just cleared the path for Dodgers’ third base upgrade

Thanks to moves made by the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates this week, a path may have been cleared for the Dodgers to land their next third baseman. The Red Sox traded for Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin, and the Pirates inked designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal.

Both the Red Sox and Pirates were among the teams in trade talks with the Houston Astros involving All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. The Astros are looking to clear their infield logjam, and while moving aging first baseman Christian Walker may be the desired option, Paredes being traded feels far more likely.

The Dodgers should now enter the picture. Los Angeles certainly has the financial means to take on the $9.3 million Paredes is set to make in 2026, and they have the pitching and outfield prospects to get the Astros' attention.

Beyond that, Paredes' recent agreement with the Astros includes a club option. Even if the option was declined, the Dodgers (or any team) would still hold his rights due to the arbitration process.

In other words, the Dodgers wouldn't need to look to free agency to replace Muncy; they would already have an option in-house. As for his role on the 2026 team, could spell the 35-year-old veteran at third base when going up against a left-handed pitcher. For his career, Paredes has a wRC+ of 131 against southpaws.

A move like this is the type of forward thinking that has kept the Dodgers at the top of Major League Baseball, and should be considered by Andrew Friedman and Co. before Opening Day.