Dodgers fans will love Max Muncy’s comments after taking below-market extension

In an era where contracts are measured in nine figures and loyalty is often measured in press conferences, Max Muncy just reminded Los Angeles Dodgers fans why he’s different.

The veteran third baseman signed a one-year, $7 million extension with a $10 million club option — a deal widely viewed as below-market for a power-hitting, postseason-proven infielder on a perennial contender. But it wasn’t the dollar figure that stood out. It was the why.

“I like to be loyal to people," Muncy said (via Rowan Kavner of FOX Sports). "This organization took a chance on me when I was out of baseball, basically.”

Back in 2017, the Dodgers took a flyer on Muncy after his release from the Oakland Athletics. He went on to become one of the most feared left-handed bats in October. After two All-Star appearances, three World Series championships, he is now the longest-tenured Dodger following Clayton Kershaw's retirement.

The Dodgers are a machine — a development powerhouse, a financial juggernaut, a title favorite every year. But dynasties aren’t just built on payroll. They’re built on culture. Muncy choosing comfort, loyalty, and winning over squeezing out every last dollar reinforces exactly what fans believe makes this organization special.

To be clear, this isn’t sentimentality disguised as roster construction. Before injuries cut into his 2025 season, Muncy launched 19 home runs and drove in 67 runs in just 100 games. And when October came, he delivered again — including that Game 7 blast in the World Series that sliced the Toronto Blue Jays’ lead to one and reignited belief in the eighth inning.

Muncy may be 35, but his bat still changes games. His plate discipline still frustrates pitchers. His postseason resumé still commands respect.

Max Muncy's loyalty to Dodgers reinforces strong winning culture

Dodgers fans have seen plenty of superstars come through Chavez Ravine. But the ones who resonate differently are the players who choose to stay.

Muncy openly admitted he likely left money on the table, which hits differently in 2026 baseball culture. In a league where players understandably maximize earnings and teams treat rosters like spreadsheets, Muncy just told fans: Winning here means more.

The Dodgers are already chasing history — a title defense and whispers of a three-peat. Keeping Muncy through at least 2028 stabilizes the infield, maintains clubhouse leadership, and preserves continuity in a lineup built to dominate.

But more importantly, it reinforces the message that if you buy into the Dodgers, they buy into you — and fans eat that up. Deep down, every fan wants to believe their team is different, that it’s not just transactions and arbitration hearings and opt-outs. Muncy just gave them proof that sometimes, it’s still about relationships.

In the end, Dodgers fans don’t just love that Muncy re-signed. They love why.