LOS ANGELES DODGERS MAKE MOVES WITH MAX MUNCY EXTENSION, ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ RETURN, AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS

🚨 DODGERS EXTEND MUNCY, RE-SIGN HERNANDEZ, AND CONTINUE OFFSEASON ACTIVITY: The Los Angeles Dodgers made key moves on Thursday, continuing their busy offseason with the announcement of a one-year extension for veteran third baseman Max Muncy and the return of utility man Enrique Hernandez.

MAX MUNCY EXTENSION: A VETERAN STAYS WITH THE DODGERS

In a move that solidifies their infield for the near future, the Dodgers extended Max Muncy with a one-year, $10 million deal. The contract includes a $7 million salary for the 2027 season and a $10 million club option for 2028, which comes with a $3 million buyout. Muncy will also earn $10 million in 2026 as part of this extension.

Muncy, 35, enters his ninth season with the Dodgers in 2026. A two-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion, Muncy has been a mainstay in Los Angeles since 2018. He contributed significantly to the team’s success last season, batting .243 with 19 home runs and 67 RBIs in 100 games. His postseason performance was even more impressive, adding three home runs to his resume, including a historic Game 7 home run in the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. That homer was his 16th postseason home run, a team record for the Dodgers.

In his career, Muncy has accumulated 214 home runs and 604 RBIs in 1,020 games, playing for both the Oakland A’s and the Dodgers. Despite being known for his power, Muncy has had some inconsistencies with his batting average, sitting at .229 for his career.

ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ RETURNS TO THE DODGERS

Meanwhile, Enrique Hernandez, 34, made headlines with a post on Instagram teasing his return to the Dodgers. “What else did you expect?!!! 3 in a row has a nice ring to it! #WeBack,” Hernandez wrote, alongside a picture of himself wearing a Dodgers World Series champions T-shirt. The Dodgers confirmed his return later in the day, announcing a one-year, $4.5 million deal for the versatile infielder/outfielder.

Hernandez, who played nine seasons with the Dodgers over two stints, batted .203 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs in 92 games last season. He also spent significant time on the injured list due to elbow discomfort, eventually undergoing elbow surgery in November. Hernandez’s status for the start of the 2026 season remains uncertain, but his return adds depth and experience to the Dodgers’ lineup.

In his 12-year career, Hernandez has been a reliable hitter, with a career .236 batting average, 130 home runs, and 470 RBIs in 1,275 games. His ability to play multiple positions and bring veteran leadership is invaluable for the Dodgers, especially as they aim for another championship run.

DODGERS SIGN KESTON HIURA AND MAKE TRADE WITH TWINS

The Dodgers weren’t done making moves on Thursday. They also signed Keston Hiura, a 29-year-old infielder, to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB camp. Hiura has spent the majority of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2019 to 2022, hitting .238 with 50 home runs and 132 RBIs in 284 games. Over the past three seasons, he has played just 18 games in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels and Colorado Rockies.

Hiura adds more depth to the Dodgers’ infield and could be an intriguing option in case of injuries or as a role player during the season. The Dodgers are known for their ability to revitalize careers, and Hiura’s addition could be another success story.

In addition, the Dodgers traded left-handed reliever Anthony Banda to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for international bonus pool money. Banda, who had a strong 2025 season with the Dodgers, making 71 appearances and finishing with a 5-1 record and a 3.18 ERA over 65 innings, was a key bullpen arm for Los Angeles. His departure frees up space on the roster while providing the team with resources to continue building.

THE DODGERS’ OFFSEASON IS FAR FROM OVER

With these moves, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to solidify their roster and deepen their lineup as they look to extend their dominance in 2026. Bringing back Muncy and Hernandez, adding Hiura to their minor league system, and making strategic trades like the Banda deal give the Dodgers flexibility as they prepare for another World Series run.

The Dodgers’ approach to the offseason has been both strategic and calculated, ensuring they have the right mix of veterans and young talent to remain competitive in the ever-challenging NL West. As spring training approaches, expect the Dodgers to continue fine-tuning their roster with more additions and moves, all aimed at claiming their fourth championship in the last five years.