The Los Angeles Dodgers did all they could to try to secure a third straight World Series title. But in the end, it was not enough. 

After narrowly defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, the Dodgers knew they were on the cusp of history. They went and added to their already star-studded roster by acquiring Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz in the offseason before trading for back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal at the MLB Trade Deadline.

But the Dodgers, with the most expensive roster and all the championship pedigree in the world, could not get past the young and hungry Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers got their revenge on Los Angeles for being swept in the 2025 National League Championship Series by returning the favor on the same stage this season.

The thing about the Dodgers is that they were not the powerhouse we were used to seeing throughout the season, and their struggles and injuries eventually culminated in their demise. 

Sure, they won 100 games, but the cracks in an aging roster were evident. Now it begs the question of how much time some of the veteran leaders of this team have left to compete for a title.

One such player who is closer to the end of his career than the beginning is third baseman Max Muncy. Let's evaluate the type of season he had.

While the Dodgers were dealing with injuries to key players such as Shohei Ohtani, Muncy remained a pillar of availability and dependability. 

The 36-year-old appeared in 149 regular season games and did not serve a stint on the Injured List. Over the course of those games, Muncy took 488 at-bats and posted a .252 batting average, a .348 on-base percentage, a .490 slugging percentage and an .838 OPS with 29 home runs, the most he has hit since the 2023 season.

For his efforts, Muncy earned his third All-Star selection.

For a little while during the playoffs, it seemed as if Muncy would continue to be a catalyst for his team's offense. In four games against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series, Muncy hit three home runs.

However, like the rest of the Dodgers' offense, Muncy lost steam against the Brewers and went just 2-for-12 at the plate while striking out six times.

It is good that Muncy was healthy in 2026, and Los Angeles certainly needed it. But it does not change the fact that he has passed his prime, and eventually a decision will have to be made by both him and the team about where things stand.

In 2027, Muncy is on the payroll for $10.7 million. In 2028, which will be his age-37 season, the Dodgers have a club option. At that point, serious discussions will need to be had. 

Muncy has dealt with injuries in the past but has otherwise stayed relatively healthy throughout his career. If he keeps his production up, there is a chance that he could remain in Dodger blue well into his late 30s. 

Whatever the future brings, there is no doubting how important he has been to the franchise.