Max Muncy's Contract Incentives Unlock $6M in Additional Value for Dodgers Max Muncy has never seemed particularly interested in squeezing every last dollar out of the Dodgers. But unique clauses in his latest contract are now doing that work for him. After crossing the 400-plate appearance mark, Muncy activated one of the more unusual incentive structures in baseball. From plate appearances 401 through 550, the Dodgers third baseman earns $15,000 every time he steps to the plate. This is only part of the equation. Every plate appearance from 401 through 500 also adds $20,000 to Muncy's 2027 salary. Once he reaches No. 501, that future bump jumps to $35,000 per trip to the plate through 550. That means each appearance from 401-500 carries $35,000 in combined value between this season and next. From 501-550, that number balloons to $50,000. If Muncy reaches all 150 available incentive plate appearances, he would collect $2.25 million in 2026 bonuses and add another $3.75 million to his 2027 salary—$6 million in additional value altogether. His 2027 base salary is $7 million, meaning the escalators could push it to $10.75 million. Muncy's extension also contains a $10 million club option for 2028 with a $3 million buyout. This arrangement is fitting for a player who has repeatedly accepted team-friendly deals to remain in Los Angeles. When Muncy signed his latest extension, he openly acknowledged leaving money on the table because he valued staying with a championship contender. The concept of incentive-based contracts is not new in baseball, but Muncy's version stands out for its granularity. Arizona star Ketel Marte can add as much as $2.5 million to a future season's salary by reaching plate-appearance milestones at 500, 550, 600, and 625.#los_angeles_dodgers #vinnie_pasquantino #arizona_diamondbacks #max_muncy #ketel_marte
Kansas City Royals Set 2026 Opening Day Roster The Kansas City Royals have finalized their 26-player opening day roster for the 2026 Major League Baseball season. The team announced the list on Wednesday, confirming that most of the 2025 squad will return, with several new additions to bolster the roster. Key players such as shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., catcher/first baseman/DH Salvador Perez, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, and third baseman Maikel Garcia are expected to lead the offense. The roster also includes veteran signings like Starling Marte and Nick Mears, as well as the retention of southpaw pitcher Bailey Falter in a new role. The starting rotation will be anchored by All-Star pitchers Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Kris Bubic. The Royals aimed to elevate their overall depth by adding experienced players to complement their young stars. Bench spots were filled by utilityman Nick Loftin and speedster Tyler Tolbert, both of whom will play significant roles. Loftin, who posted a .903 OPS in spring training, offers versatility and a right-handed bat, while Tolbert, a 2025 rookie with 21 stolen bases, will provide late-inning speed and flexibility in both outfield and infield positions. Injury concerns remain for second baseman Michael Massey, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left calf. The designation is retroactive to March 22, meaning he could miss several games before a potential return. Massey has remained in Surprise, Arizona, to participate in minor-league games and rehab. The Royals will rely on Loftin, outfielders Starling Marte and Lane Thomas, and reserves to cover his absence until his return.#bobby_witt_jr #vinnie_pasquantino #maikel_garcia #kansas_city_royals #salvador_perez
Italy tops Puerto Rico, rides magical WBC run into semifinals HOUSTON — Italy’s remarkable journey in the World Baseball Classic reached a new milestone as the team secured an 8-6 victory over Puerto Rico on Saturday, advancing to the semifinals in Miami. The win, which came in front of a crowd of 34,291 at Daikin Park, solidified Italy’s perfect record in Pool B, including a notable triumph over Team USA. The Azzurri, now set to face Venezuela in the next round, are poised to make history as the farthest they’ve ever advanced in the tournament’s six editions. The victory underscored Italy’s dominance in the pool, with the team’s lineup of young, talented players—many of Italian American descent—showcasing their skill against a Puerto Rican squad missing several stars due to injuries and insurance issues. Italy’s past three wins, against the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, have all come against baseball powerhouses, highlighting the team’s growing reputation. Despite Italy’s limited history in the sport, the success has brought the game into the spotlight, with Italian media and fans celebrating the breakthrough. Manager Francisco Cervelli, a longtime major league catcher making his debut as Italy’s skipper, expressed pride in the team’s achievements. “Imagine doing this for the first time and arriving at the semifinal,” he said. “It’s amazing. This is one of the best chapters of my life.” The sentiment was shared by captain Vinnie Pasquantino, a Kansas City Royals first baseman and key recruiter for the team. “This tournament is about more than just winning,” Pasquantino noted. “It’s about bringing people together and showing that Italy can compete on the world stage.” The game itself was a display of Italy’s relentless offense.#world_baseball_classic #italy #puerto_rico #francisco_cervelli #vinnie_pasquantino
