LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers wasted no time in addressing their offseason plans, as they signed third baseman Max Muncy to a two-year, $24 million contract extension. This move ensures that the former National League All-Star will remain with the Dodgers through the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026 worth $10 million.

The extension was a strategic decision by the Dodgers, as it allows them to retain Muncy's services for two additional seasons. The club had until Monday to exercise Muncy's $14 million club option for the 2024 season. However, with the new deal, Muncy will receive $12 million each in 2024 and 2025.

For Muncy, this contract provides clarity and security for his future with the Dodgers. The talented third baseman has expressed his desire to continue playing for the team, even if it means accepting a lower salary than what the open market may offer. With this agreement in place, Muncy is guaranteed a spot in the heart of the Dodgers' lineup for at least the next two seasons.

After a challenging 2022 season, Muncy bounced back impressively in 2023, reestablishing himself as one of the National League's premier power threats. He matched his career-high with 36 home runs during the past season and has surpassed the 30-homer mark in four of his five full seasons with the Dodgers since joining the team in 2018.

Muncy's offensive prowess was further highlighted when he joined Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, and Freddie Freeman as the first quartet in franchise history to surpass 100 RBIs in a single season. With 175 home runs, Muncy ranks sixth among Dodgers players since the team's relocation to Los Angeles.

While Muncy's offensive performance has been exceptional, there were some defensive challenges for him at third base. In his debut season at the position in 2022, Muncy showcased his defensive skills and was regarded as a defensive asset for the Dodgers. However, he encountered some difficulties in the field, particularly towards the end of the 2023 campaign.

With Muncy's extension secured early in the offseason, the Dodgers now have a clearer understanding of their remaining needs for the winter. The team will continue to prioritize adding offensive firepower and will actively participate in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes. Additionally, the Dodgers will seek help in the outfield and look to strengthen their offensive capabilities at shortstop.

Several notable players officially became free agents on November 2, including Jason Heyward, David Peralta, Kiké Hernández, Amed Rosario, Kolten Wong, and Jake Marisnick. On the pitching front, Ryan Brasier, Daniel Hudson, Joe Kelly, Clayton Kershaw, Lance Lynn, and Shelby Miller are either free agents or have club options this winter.

The Dodgers are expecting a busy offseason as they aim to put two consecutive disappointing postseason runs behind them. They have wasted no time by securing Max Muncy's contract extension, signaling their commitment to assembling a championship-caliber team for the upcoming seasons.