5 Dodgers facing uncertain futures heading into 2023 season

Max Muncy

Yup, another one of these! Except Muncy wasn't injured as severely as Hudson and Treinen. He suffered a partially-torn UCL at the tail end of 2021 and that hampered his ability to produce in 2022 (136 games). The Dodgers, in their view of "capitalizing", guaranteed Muncy's team option for 2023 ($13.5 million) and tacked on another for 2024 ($10 million) to try and save themselves some money.

Time will tell, however. Muncy picked it up in August and September to make his overall numbers a tad more respectable, which is a promising sign for 2023. He also mentioned that his swing mechanics are back on track after his injured elbow limited his mobility and affected his mobility (thus resulting in unthinkable struggles from April-July).

Muncy will be the primary starting third baseman for LA in 2023. In 2018, 2019 and 2021, he was arguably the Dodgers' most important player. If he can return to form -- or even a semblance of that form -- LA's gamble will pay off.

If not, he might face the same fate as Turner and Bellinger, both of whom were cut loose this offseason due to streaky play or downright uninspiring output.