Introduction to the Dodgers’ Offseason Moves
The now two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers made their first moves of the offseason on Thursday.
The biggest one will ensure a familiar face is back for their pursuit of a three-peat next year.
The team picked up its $10-million club option for third baseman Max Muncy, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly, bringing the now longest-tenured member of the roster back for what will be his ninth season in Los Angeles.
Club Options for Max Muncy and Alex Vesia
The Dodgers also picked up a $3.55-million club option for reliever Alex Vesia (keeping him out of arbitration), according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly. Additionally, they shook up the 40-man roster with a series of maneuvers that included Tony Gonsolin being designated for assignment.
None of the moves were overly surprising, starting with the option the Dodgers exercised at the end of a two-year, $24-million deal Muncy signed in the 2023 offseason.
Even at 35 years old, Muncy was a relative bargain at $10 million next season for a player who, prior to second-half injuries, had shaken off a slow start to the year by being one of the hottest hitters in the majors in May and June.
Impact of Muncy’s Return
His return will also help keep a key part of the club’s veteran core intact, bringing back a player who — in the wake of Clayton Kershaw’s retirement — has been with the Dodgers longer than anybody else.
Muncy’s 2025 season did not start well. After an offseason in which trade rumors involving Nolan Arenado swirled, and a spring training spent working through the lingering after-effects of an oblique and rib injury that limited him in 2024, Muncy hit .176 through his first 34 games, and had only one home run.
In early May, however, he started wearing glasses to address an astigmatism in his right eye. Around that same time, he also found a breakthrough with his swing, one that helped him begin punishing fastballs up the zone. From May 7 to the end of June, he hit .315 with 12 home runs and a 1.039 OPS, one of the best stretches of his 10-year, two-time All-Star career.
Challenges Faced by Muncy
That streak was derailed on July 2, when Muncy suffered his knee injury after being slid into at third base. His return a month later was cut short, too, when his oblique began bothering him during a batting practice session in August.
Those IL stints preceded a September slump that carried into the postseason, when Muncy hit just .173 entering Game 7 of the World Series.
But that night, he collected three hits, had the pivotal eighth-inning home run off Trey Yesavage that got the Dodgers back within a run, and became one of six players to contribute to all three of the Dodgers’ recent World Series titles.
“It’s starting to get a little bit comfortable up here,” he joked from atop the stage at the Dodgers’ World Series celebration on Monday. “Let’s keep it going.”
Vesia’s Role in the Team
Vesia will also be part of that three-peat pursuit, and had his $3.55-million club option picked up on Thursday as well. Vesia had that option negotiated into the contract he signed last offseason to avoid arbitration. Next year will be his last under team control before free agency.
Vesia was one of the few consistent performers in the Dodgers’ bullpen this year, posting a 3.02 ERA in a career-high 68 appearances. He was also one of their most trusted relief arms in the playoffs, bouncing back from a two-run outing in the wild-card series opener with 4 ⅓ scoreless innings the rest of the way.
He was not available for the World Series as he and his wife dealt with what the team described as a “deeply personal family matter.” But he figures to be a key cog in their bullpen again next season, having established himself as one of the sport’s best left-handed leverage relievers.
Roster Subtractions and Additions
The one notable roster subtraction Thursday came in the news of Gonsolin’s DFA. The right-hander was an All-Star in 2022, but has made just 27 starts since then because of two elbow surgeries (Tommy John in 2023 and an internal brace this past year). The latter procedure was likely to keep him sidelined into next season, his last under team control.
Gonsolin was one of three cuts made to the 40-man roster Thursday, as outfielder Justin Dean (a member of the Dodgers’ postseason roster) and injured pitcher Michael Grove (also coming off a season lost to surgery) were both outrighted to the minors. The open spots made way for outfielder Ryan Ward (the 2025 Pacific Coast League MVP in triple-A) and left-handed pitcher Robinson Ortiz (a 25-year-old who went from high-A to triple-A last year) to be added to the 40-man group.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ decision to pick up the club options for Max Muncy and Alex Vesia is a significant move for the team as they pursue their third consecutive World Series title. Muncy’s return will help maintain the team’s veteran core, while Vesia’s presence will be crucial in the bullpen. The roster subtractions and additions will also play a role in shaping the team’s future.
FAQs
Q: What was the amount of the club option picked up for Max Muncy?
A: The Dodgers picked up a $10-million club option for Max Muncy.
Q: What was the amount of the club option picked up for Alex Vesia?
A: The Dodgers picked up a $3.55-million club option for Alex Vesia.
Q: Why was Tony Gonsolin designated for assignment?
A: Gonsolin was designated for assignment due to his injury history and the likelihood of him being sidelined into next season.
Q: Who were the players added to the 40-man roster?
A: Outfielder Ryan Ward and left-handed pitcher Robinson Ortiz were added to the 40-man roster.
