The Dodgers' longest-tenured players list has undergone a significant transformation, marking a new era for the team. Last season, the Dodgers bid farewell to long-serving players Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes in May, followed by the retirement of the legendary Clayton Kershaw after an impressive 18-year career. These three players were the pillars of the team's success for many years.
Now, let's delve into the current roster and uncover the new leaders in terms of tenure. When considering the date of addition to the 40-man roster, Max Muncy takes the crown as the longest-serving Dodger, joining the team on April 17, 2018. However, if we look at the date of joining the organization, it's Will Smith, the talented catcher, who signed on June 21, 2016, after being drafted in the first round. Interestingly, both Muncy and Smith rank second on the other list, indicating their longevity with the team.
Muncy's commitment to the Dodgers is evident with his contract extending through 2027, with an option for 2028. It's safe to say that he will continue to be a key figure for the team for years to come. Similarly, Smith's contract runs all the way to 2033, ensuring his presence for the foreseeable future.
For accounting purposes, players who reached free agency and re-signed with the Dodgers without any other team involvement are considered continuous members. Evan Phillips, for instance, re-signed with the Dodgers last week after being non-tendered in November. Despite this brief hiatus, he is still counted as a Dodger since his initial claim off waivers during the 2021 season.
Here are some intriguing facts about the Dodgers' 40-man roster:
- Edgardo Henriquez, born in June 2002, is the second-youngest Dodger on the roster, just one month older than Ronan Kopp. He is also the fourth-longest-serving player, having signed in September 2018.
- Andy Pages, born in December 2000, is the fifth-youngest Dodger and the third-longest-serving, signing with the team in March 2018.
- Ryan Ward, recently added to the 40-man roster in November, has yet to make his major league debut. However, he was drafted in the eighth round in 2019 and is the fifth-longest-serving player by acquisition date.
- Mookie Betts and Brusdar Graterol share the fourth-longest tenure on the 40-man roster, both acquired on February 10, 2020. They are also tied for seventh-longest in the organization.
The Dodgers' longest-serving players are a mix of veteran leaders and young talents, each bringing their unique skills and contributions to the team. As the roster continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how these players shape the future of the Dodgers.
