The Dodgers didn’t have to think twice about picking up Max Muncy’s $10 million option for the 2026 season - and for good reason. After a rocky start to 2025, Muncy bounced back in a big way, finishing with a 137 wRC+ and launching 19 home runs.
A midseason adjustment - including a new pair of glasses - helped him rediscover his swing and reassert his value in the heart of L.A.’s lineup. By the time the offseason rolled around, keeping Muncy in Dodger blue felt like a no-brainer.
But while the decision to bring him back was easy, the long-term picture at third base still looms. Muncy will be 36 when he hits free agency next winter, and while he’s been a steady presence for the Dodgers, this offseason presents a prime opportunity to start planning for the future at the hot corner.
Here’s the catch: the upcoming free-agent class isn’t exactly stacked with third basemen. Bo Bichette could hit the market if he opts out of his deal with the Mets, but beyond that, it’s a thin group. That’s why the Dodgers might need to get creative - and thanks to a couple of recent moves around the league, an intriguing trade path may have just opened up.
Dodgers’ Third Base Future Could Run Through Houston
This week, the Boston Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin from the Brewers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal. At first glance, those moves might not seem directly connected to the Dodgers. But both Boston and Pittsburgh had reportedly been in trade discussions with the Houston Astros regarding All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes - and those deals may signal that they’re pivoting away from that pursuit.
That could be a window for the Dodgers to step in.
Houston has a bit of a traffic jam in the infield, and while they’d likely prefer to move veteran first baseman Christian Walker, Paredes appears to be the more realistic trade chip. He’s younger, more productive, and - crucially - under team control.
Paredes is set to earn $9.3 million in 2026, and that’s a number the Dodgers can easily absorb. More importantly, L.A. has the kind of prospect depth - particularly in pitching and the outfield - that could entice the Astros to make a deal. This isn’t just about filling a need; it’s about being proactive, something the Dodgers’ front office has made a hallmark of their sustained success.
Why Paredes Makes Sense in L.A.
From a performance standpoint, Paredes fits what the Dodgers look for. He brings power, plate discipline, and positional versatility. Against left-handed pitching, he’s been especially dangerous - his career wRC+ against southpaws is 131, which would make him an ideal platoon partner or even a replacement for Muncy as he ages into more of a part-time role.
And there’s more upside in the contract structure. Paredes’ recent agreement with the Astros includes a club option, but even if that’s declined, he’d remain under team control through arbitration. That gives the Dodgers flexibility - and cost certainty - beyond just a one-year rental.
This is the kind of forward-thinking roster management that’s kept the Dodgers at the forefront of Major League Baseball. They don’t just react to needs - they anticipate them. While Muncy has earned his spot for 2026, L.A. knows it’s time to start laying the groundwork for what comes next at third base.
If Isaac Paredes becomes available - and the early signs suggest he might - the Dodgers would be wise to make that call.