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3 Contract Extensions the Dodgers Should Still Pursue This Offseason

By Sean Facey

The Dodgers have plenty of players that they should sign to new deals.
The Dodgers have plenty of players that they should sign to new deals. / Will Newton/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made some savvy moves this offseason to fix their roster around the edges, but for the most part, things have been pretty quiet. They haven't even been that active in trying to extend some of their young stars.

But that doesn't mean they can't still strike some deals. There are at least a few players who the Dodgers could and should try to lock up to long-term contracts in the final weeks of the offseason.

3. INF Max Muncy

Max Muncy has emerged as a superstar for the Dodgers.
Max Muncy has emerged as a superstar for the Dodgers. / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Muncy's past two seasons with the Dodgers have been nothing short of astounding. The former Oakland Athletics castoff has hit at least 35 home runs in both years and has registered an absurd .927 OPS. He's also been clutch for them in the postseason, slugging six home runs in just 21 games in October. If the Dodgers want to save some money and keep their offense producing at a high level, then hammering out a new deal before Muncy becomes too expensive in arbitration is an absolute must.

2. RHP Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler is the heir to Clayton Kershaw's throne.
Walker Buehler is the heir to Clayton Kershaw's throne. / Harry How/Getty Images

If there was anyone who could cover for Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers' ace, it would be Walker Buehler. The 25-year-old has been brilliant since the start of his first full season in 2018, logging a 2.98 ERA and 366 strikeouts in 319.2 innings. He's also already got an All-Star appearance and a ninth-place finish in the NL Cy Young voting to boot. Buehler has makeup to be the team's next superstar pitcher, and he'd be worth every penny of an extension.

1. OF Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger has had an incredibly explosive start to his career.
Cody Bellinger has had an incredibly explosive start to his career. / Will Newton/Getty Images

In just three years at the major league level, Cody Bellinger has been named to two All-Star teams, slugged 111 home runs, and earned NL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. Since the start of 2017, his 15.4 fWAR ranks fifth among all outfielders. Both the stats and the accolades prove that he's one of the game's best players and the heartbeat of the Dodgers' terrifying batting order. Pursuing an extension with him now is something the team absolutely needs to explore.