The Dodgers just made some HUGE moves, and whether you agree with them or not, they're setting the stage for 2026 and beyond! Specifically, the team decided on the fates of several key players as they gear up for the future. Let's dive into the details.
Muncy and Vesia Stay Put: A Sign of Stability?
First up, the Dodgers exercised their 2026 club options for third baseman Max Muncy and left-handed reliever Alex Vesia. A source confirmed this to MLB.com before the official deadline, though the team hadn't publicly announced it at the time. Muncy's option comes with a $10 million price tag, while Vesia's is set at $3.55 million.
Max Muncy, despite turning 35, remains a crucial part of the Dodgers' offensive puzzle. While he's battled injuries and only played in 173 games over the last two seasons, his impact when healthy is undeniable. He started slow this past season, but from April 30th onward, he was a force, slashing .268/.406/.563 across 72 games. His weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 137 ranked fourth among all Dodgers, trailing only the legendary Shohei Ohtani (172), Will Smith (153), and Freddie Freeman (139). For those new to baseball stats, wRC+ essentially measures a player's offensive contribution relative to the league average, with 100 being average. So, Muncy was significantly above average! The Dodgers had a 60-40 record with Muncy in the lineup, compared to a less impressive 33-29 when he was absent. He did spend time on the injured list twice, once with a bone bruise in his left knee and later with a strained right oblique.
Now, here's where it gets controversial... Muncy's defense at third base has been a point of concern. He committed 11 errors and had a negative Outs Above Average (-6), which put him in the bottom 10% of qualified major leaguers. OAA measures how many outs a player has saved or cost their team compared to the average player at that position. Despite the defensive shortcomings, the Dodgers clearly value his offensive power and leadership. Some suggest he could even mentor young prospect Alex Freeland, the team's No. 4 prospect, who plays shortstop and third base. Ultimately, keeping Muncy, a veteran presence, seemed like a logical move, preventing him from testing free agency.
Alex Vesia, at 29, has emerged as a reliable force in the Dodgers' bullpen. Many argue that he's become one of the premier left-handed relievers in the game. His expected batting average against (.174) and strikeout rate (33.4%) are among the best for lefties who've faced at least 400 batters in the past two years. This past season, Vesia pitched in 68 games, posting a 3.02 ERA and earning five saves. He was a stabilizing presence in a bullpen that saw a lot of turnover, and his absence during the World Series due to a family matter highlighted his importance to the team. The Dodgers exercising his option buys out his final year of arbitration eligibility, and he's now set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Roster Moves: Making Room for New Talent
In other news, the Dodgers added outfielder Ryan Ward and left-hander Robinson Ortiz to their 40-man roster, bringing it to full capacity. To make space, right-hander Tony Gonsolin was designated for assignment (meaning the Dodgers are trying to trade, release, or send him to the minor leagues), while outfielder Justin Dean and righty Michael Grove were outrighted (removed from the 40-man roster but remain in the organization). Dean was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Giants, adding a little extra spice to the rivalry!
Gonsolin, an All-Star in 2022, struggled after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2023, posting a 5.00 ERA in seven starts before his elbow issues resurfaced. He and Grove were both recovering from significant surgeries. Grove was expected to be ready for Spring Training 2026 after a right labrum procedure, but Gonsolin wouldn't have returned until mid-season following an internal brace/flexor cleanup. Both were arbitration-eligible, meaning they were due for a potential raise.
Justin Dean, known for his defensive prowess, appeared in 18 regular-season games and was even on the Dodgers' postseason roster as a late-inning defensive specialist. Ryan Ward, on the other hand, had a monster year in Triple-A, leading the Minor Leagues in home runs (36), RBIs (122), and total bases (315), earning him Pacific Coast League MVP honors. Ortiz climbed through the minor league system, posting a 2.73 ERA in 48 appearances across three levels. Ward and Ortiz were added to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft, where other teams could potentially select them.
The Big Picture:
These moves signal the Dodgers' commitment to both present success and future development. Keeping Muncy and Vesia provides stability and experience, while adding Ward and Ortiz injects young talent into the mix. Designating Gonsolin and outrighting Grove, while tough decisions, reflect the realities of roster management and the need to allocate resources effectively. Considering the Dodgers' recent playoff exits, are these moves enough to get them over the hump? What do you think of the Dodgers' decision to keep Muncy despite his defensive struggles? And what are your expectations for Ryan Ward and Robinson Ortiz in the coming seasons? Let's discuss in the comments below!
