The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a $10 million club option for Max Muncy next season, and conventional wisdom would suggest that would be a pretty easy decision for the Dodgers. Over the last two seasons, Muncy has unlocked an added layer to his offensive profile, posting a wRC+ of 133 and 146, and considering what the price would be for that type of production on the open market, Muncy being back next season feels like a no-brainer … but it may not keep the Dodgers from looking for an upgrade.
Of course, as Muncy’s offensive profile has been on the rise, so has his injury concern. Muncy was limited to 73 games last season and has dealt with a bone bruise and oblique strain this season that has impacted his availability. Considering the Dodgers’ offense also hasn’t had the firepower they were accustomed to last season, if the front office were looking for a way to restructure their lineup, it could be at third base this offseason.
That seemingly was the premise Jim Bowden had during his initial ranking of the Top 25 free agents this offseason. Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman lands as the No. 3 free agent in Bowden’s ranking, and the former MLB general manager labeled the Dodgers as an obvious fit.
One blockbuster free agent could spell the end for Max Muncy with Dodgers
Muncy being back at $10 million certainly is a value move for the Dodgers, but not one that would outweigh a potential pursuit of Bregman.
In his first season away from the Houston Astros, Bregman has only solidified his standing as one of the game’s best third basemen this season with the Red Sox. Named to the American League All-Star team, Bregman, from a value standpoint, is having the best season of his career. Bregman is currently pacing to set new career highs in wRC+, fWAR, and batting average. Bregman also remains an above-average fielder at third base and would be a significant upgrade over Muncy in that sense.
Bregman has an opt-out clause he’s almost assuredly to exercise when the year is over. That said, the Red Sox are expected to bring him back. But if Bregman proved anything this past offseason, it’s that he has a price. That’s where the Dodgers can flip this situation on its head.
Of course, moving on from a fan-favorite in Muncy in favor of a former Astro would certainly be a choice, considering the hatred many Dodgers fans still have for all things Astros. All may be forgiven, however, if Bregman unlocks a new level for the already star-studded Dodgers offense.
