Max Muncy: From A’s Release to Dodgers’ Longest-Tenured Player
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Max Muncy’s journey to becoming the longest-tenured member of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ big league club is a testament to perseverance and a late-blooming belief in himself. Nearly nine years after being claimed off waivers by the Dodgers in , Muncy has cemented his place as a key veteran leader and a three-time World Series champion.
The circumstances surrounding his arrival in the Dodgers organization were, by his own admission, “inauspicious.” Released by the Oakland Athletics after a disappointing stint, Muncy found himself with a non-roster invite to Spring Training in , eventually earning a call-up to L.A. Later that year. He spent with Triple-A Oklahoma City, working to rebuild his confidence.
“Never in a million years,” Muncy said earlier in Spring Training. “That was part of the issue with who I was in Oakland, I didn’t fully believe in myself. There’s no way I would have ever imagined I could have gotten to this point. It’s been a special journey for me, and it’s one that I’m extremely grateful for.”
For years, the title of longest-tenured Dodger belonged to Clayton Kershaw, a generational talent who arrived in Los Angeles with immense expectations. Kershaw’s 18 years with the team were defined by consistent excellence and a quiet, leading-by-example approach. Muncy’s path, however, was markedly different. He arrived with far less fanfare and had to prove himself at every stage.
Despite the contrasting trajectories, Muncy has earned the same level of respect within the Dodgers’ clubhouse. He’s grow one of the veteran voices carrying on Kershaw’s understated leadership style, a quality that resonates with the team’s younger players. Outfielder Ryan Ward noted, “Everyone respects him. I mean, he’s definitely one of the leaders in this clubhouse, and the respect that everyone gives him, he’s earned. And he gives it right back to everyone else.”
Muncy’s on-field contributions speak for themselves. He currently ranks seventh in franchise history with 209 home runs and holds the Dodgers’ all-time postseason home run record with 16. Beyond the power numbers, he’s a valuable contributor who consistently finds ways to impact the game, even when he’s not the one delivering the decisive hit.
His success story is particularly remarkable considering he was initially acquired on a Minor League deal. That success has led to a one-year extension for worth a guaranteed $10 million, with a club option for . While some might argue he’s left money on the table throughout his career, Muncy doesn’t see it that way.
“There was a lot of things involved within it, but money was kind of the last thought,” Muncy explained. “My family was my biggest thought when making this decision. My kids were born in L.A., all they grasp is the Dodgers. They love the Dodgers. They love the color Dodger blue. They love going to the stadium, and they know all the people there. … I wanted a chance to win. I wanted to preserve my family where they’re comfortable, and it’s the best team in baseball, best organization in baseball. Where else would I rather go? And when you start putting all that together, it’s the easiest decision you could possibly make.”
The Dodgers’ organizational philosophy has evolved during Muncy’s tenure. Initially focused on developing players through their farm system, the team has become more aggressive in pursuing top free agents. However, stories like Muncy’s remain crucial in attracting talent and establishing the Dodgers as a premier destination for players.
Manager Dave Roberts recognizes the importance of players who genuinely want to be part of the organization. “He has, a different path of getting here,” Roberts said. “What captures Max is he loves being a Dodger. He’s taken less money, did not challenge the free-agent market, due to the fact that he wanted to be here. And so that’s something, for me, you want as many players to be a part of this organization that just want to be here.”
Muncy’s story is a reminder that success in baseball, and in life, doesn’t always follow a predictable path. His journey from a player released by the A’s to the longest-tenured Dodger is a testament to his resilience, his rediscovered self-belief, and the power of finding a place where he truly belongs.