Max Muncy’s journey with the Dodgers is a tale that blends power hitting with occasional struggles. Since 2019, he’s been known for not surpassing a .250 batting average, with the last brush against it being that .251 mark.
But despite the dips in average and some defensive shortcomings, Muncy has consistently boasted an OPS above .800 in multiple seasons and is nearing 200 home runs in his LA tenure. When he connects, he clearly launches it far.
It’s his knack for the long ball and extra-base hits that often outweigh the lower averages.
Yet, this season’s tale feels different, and not in a good way. Through 13 games, Muncy is grappling with a .174 average and a subpar .485 OPS.
With no homers and a staggering 42.9% strikeout rate, he’s struggled to make his usual impact. His RBI count has stalled at two since a clutch two-run double helped seal a comeback win against the Braves back on April 2.
As a result, he’s moved down to seventh in the batting order, with two missed games hinting at a precarious position.
This season is shaping up to be a significant chapter in Muncy’s career. The Dodgers hold a club option for him in 2026, and if performances don’t improve, navigating the free agency waters might become inevitable. The potential of walking away from a once-pivotal player looms over the horizon.
Muncy has a history of defying the odds. Scooped up by the Dodgers in 2017 on a minor league deal after the Athletics let him go, he became a breakout sensation the following year.
His 2018 stats—batting .263 with almost a 1.000 OPS and 35 homers—cemented his role and earned him 15th place in MVP voting. Even a shortened, injury-affected stint last season saw him make significant contributions with 15 homers in just 73 games.
Coming into this year, Muncy was seen as a stalwart in LA’s lineup, despite whispers of trades or replacements like Nolan Arenado. The Dodgers valued Muncy’s bat even as a lesser defensive third baseman, proving his worth time and again. But as things stand now, Los Angeles is never shy of talent knocking on its door, and if Muncy continues to falter, the search for a new third baseman might pick up steam, regardless of the lean free agent market for his position in the upcoming offseason.
For Max Muncy and the Dodgers, this season has raised questions about future directions and lineup longevity. While his hitting prowess is undeniable, the pressure to find and consistently deliver that power swing is mounting. Whether he can reclaim his form in time remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the clock is ticking.
