Dodgers' New Era Brings Changing of the Guard

Longest-tenured stars depart as new veterans emerge to lead the team

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Dodgers baseball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Dodgers' new era is defined by a core of long-tenured veterans who will shape the team's future through their leadership and performance on the field.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering a new era, marked by the departures of longtime stars like Chris Taylor, Austin Barnes, and Clayton Kershaw. But the team's core is shifting, with players like Max Muncy, Will Smith, and Mookie Betts now emerging as the longest-tenured Dodgers on the 40-man roster.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' roster turnover signals a changing of the guard, as the team transitions from a group of players who defined their identity for years to a new generation of leaders. This shift will shape the team's on-field performance and clubhouse culture in the coming seasons.

The details

Max Muncy, who joined the Dodgers' 40-man roster on April 17, 2018, is now the longest-tenured player on the team. However, catcher Will Smith, who signed with the organization on June 21, 2016, has the most organizational tenure. Other long-serving Dodgers include reliever Blake Treinen, acquired in December 2019, and outfielders Brusdar Graterol and Mookie Betts, both added in February 2020.

  • The Dodgers bid farewell to Chris Taylor, Austin Barnes, and Clayton Kershaw last season, marking the end of an era.
  • Max Muncy joined the Dodgers' 40-man roster on April 17, 2018, making him the longest-tenured player on the current team.
  • Will Smith signed with the Dodgers organization on June 21, 2016, giving him the most organizational tenure.

The players

Max Muncy

A cornerstone of the Dodgers' lineup, Muncy joined the team's 40-man roster on April 17, 2018 and is locked in through at least 2027 with a club option in 2028.

Will Smith

The Dodgers' starting catcher, Smith signed with the organization on June 21, 2016, giving him the most organizational tenure on the current roster.

Blake Treinen

A veteran reliever, Treinen was acquired by the Dodgers on December 15, 2019 and has been a key part of their bullpen.

Brusdar Graterol

A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, Graterol was acquired by the Dodgers on February 10, 2020 and has become an important piece of their pitching staff.

Mookie Betts

An All-Star outfielder, Betts was acquired by the Dodgers on February 10, 2020 and has had a transformative impact on the team.

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What they’re saying

“It's bittersweet to see some of the guys who defined this team for years move on, but that's the nature of the game. Now it's up to the new generation of Dodgers to step up and carry on the legacy.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to their new core of long-tenured players, including Muncy, Smith, Treinen, Graterol, and Betts, to lead the team into the future and continue their success.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' roster turnover signals a changing of the guard, as a new generation of players takes over the team's leadership roles. This transition will be crucial in shaping the Dodgers' on-field performance and clubhouse culture in the coming seasons.