Max Muncy was an All-Star this season for the first time since 2021, and his contract has a unique escalator that is paying him $15,000 per plate appearance right now.
The Dodgers picked up a $10 million club option for Muncy in the offseason, but also signed him to a one-year extension. That extension added a plate appearance incentive for him this season. The incentive states that after his 400th plate appearance of the year, he will get an extra $15,000, up until his 550th plate appearance.
Muncy had not eclipsed 400 plate appearances in two years, so it was far from a lock that he would get it this year. Staying healthy is key, and at age 35, there were legit concerns about his ability to stay on the field. However, he has been a regular in the lineup and is playing great.
Muncy has an .842 OPS this year and has 25 home runs. He ranks third in home runs among third basemen this year, and has a plus-three outs above average on defense. He does whiff and strike out at a high rate, but it has not prevented him from being successful.
Even since April 30, 2025, when he started wearing glasses to correct an astigmatism, he has a .258/.368/.522 slash line and 44 home runs. He ranks seventh in all of baseball in OPS in that span, among hitters with at least 400 plate appearances.
Next year, he has a similar clause in his contract, except it will pay him $20,000 for every plate appearance between 400 and 500. He will get $35,000 for each plate appearance between 501 and 550. He has a $10 million club option for 2028 with the same plate appearance incentives as next year.