Longest-tenured Dodgers list enters a new era

Last season was a year of roster transition for the Dodgers, who cut ties with longtime mainstays Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes in May, then Clayton Kershaw retired after 18 seasons. Those were the three longest-tenured players on the team.

So let’s look at the current roster and find the new deans. If we go by date added to the 40-man roster, Max Muncy is the longest-tenured Dodger, having joined them on April 17, 2018. If we go by date joining the organization, it’s catcher Will Smith, who signed on June 21, 2016 after getting drafted in the first round. Each are second on the other list, and both will be around for a while. Muncy signed through 2027 with a club option in 2028, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that goes even longer through the end of his career. Smith is signed all the way through 2033.

For purposes of accounting, if a player reached free agency and re-signed with the Dodgers without going anywhere else, I included them as having stayed continuously. Evan Phillips, who was non-tendered in November but re-signed last week, still counts has having been a Dodger since they claimed him off waivers during the 2021 season, for instance. Neither Smith nor Muncy have reached free agency since joining the Dodgers.

A few other fun facts about the Dodgers 40-man roster:

• Edgardo Henriquez, born in June 2002, is both the second-youngest Dodger on the roster (one month older than Ronan Kopp) and fourth-longest-tenured, having signed in September 2018.
• Andy Pages, born in December 2000, is the fifth-youngest Dodger and the third-longest-tenured, having signed in March 2018.
• Ryan Ward was just added to the 40-man roster in November but has yet to play a game in the majors, but he was drafted in the eighth round in 2019 and is the fifth-longest-tenured player by date acquired.
• Mookie Betts and Brusdar Graterol are tied for fourth-longest on the 40-man roster, both acquired back on February 10, 2020, and are tied for seventh-longest in the organization.