Dodgers reportedly closing in on team-friendly Max Muncy extension

Andrew Friedman of the Dodgers has his work cut out for him this offseason after building his team's 2023 campaign on a foundation of side quests instead of importing a main character or two. According to sources, his first move following the conclusion of the World Series involves maintaining certainty surrounding one of the current roster's pillars.

Per FanSided's MLB insider Robert Murray, Max Muncy and the Dodgers are seriously discussing a two-year contract extension; Muncy was previously expected to be secured for the 2024 season only, presuming the Dodgers picked up their remaining team option.

Now, it appears one year has become two. Though terms of the deal have yet to be released or officially agreed upon, Murray believes they will be team-friendly. This should swiftly put to bed any rumors about Muncy's option being exercised only for the Dodgers to quickly shop the slugger on an expiring contract.

Dodgers closing in on Max Muncy extension; contract details

Muncy never really disappeared after his breakout 2021 season, but his production declined in 2022 (league-average 100 OPS+, 21 bombs) as he battled the aftereffects of the elbow injury that removed him from the team's '21 playoff run. That remains an underdiscussed factor in LA's recent postseason struggles. Taking an offensive MVP off a 106-win team just before October's rigors begin is an absolute killer.

Now, '22 and '23? You're on your own.

Muncy slugged 36 homers in a bounce back 2023 campaign, posting an .808 OPS that only led to further heartbreak come playoff time (.182 average, 0 RBI against the Diamondbacks). When contract terms are revealed, we'll update this article, but don't expect them to tangibly impact the rest of Friedman's offseason work. This was an easy one, and ensures that Muncy will remain a sturdy piece of the lineup's foundation, no matter his defensive position (or lack thereof, pending the Shohei Ohtani chase).

UPDATE: Per Jon Heyman, Muncy's deal is a two-year pact for $24 million -- with another team option tacked onto the end of it for 2026. Muncy was set to make $10 million on his 2024 team option; the extension buys that out and makes him $14 million richer (at minimum, pre-2026 option), with a modest raise included.