Biggest Dodger Surprise: The Case For Max Muncy
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy came into the 2019 season with big cleats to fill, his own. Coming off of a break out 2018 season where he went from zero to hero, every Dodger fan wondered if he would be able to to replicate that performance. Despite a slow Spring Training and April in which that question grew louder, Muncy has been just as good in 2018. In fact, he’s been better.
We're sort of at the point where whatever questions about Max Muncy being a flash in the pan have been answered. Dude just rakes.
— Pac 0 (@wstrojan) June 18, 2019
Offensive Case
So far in 2019 Max Muncy has a .266/.366/.531 slash line to go with an impressive 22 HRs, 60 RBIs, and 3.6 WAR. More impressively, from May 1st – All Star Break, he’s been keeping pace, even out performing Cody Bellinger in some offensive categories.
Defensive Case
Beyond his exceptional offense this year Funky Muncy’s improved glove work has been a welcome surprise as well. Max Muncy has committed 9 errors across his time between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base this year, just a slight improvement over the 12 he had through the same amount games (87) last year.
While the improvement in errors committed might be small, his value in defensive runs saved (DRS) has been quite the transformation. Last year, he was viewed as a defensive liability, he posted a -4 DRS at 1st base and a 0 DRS at 2nd and 3rd. This year however, he has surprised everyone and become a defensive asset. So far, this season he has posted a 2 DRS at 1st and 2nd base and a more impressive 4 DRS for his little time at 3rd base.
Muncy flashing the leather with a great stop into the shift, the throw from his knees and a great stretch from Pete Alonso to retire Santana. Muncy plays defense too #LABleedsBlue #AllStarGame
— Chris Camello (@Chris_Camello) July 10, 2019
Max Muncy has shown he’s not a one-hit wonder offensively and combined with his ability to now play sound defense at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd base, he has certainly earned his starting role on the team. The Dodgers will rely on the continued success of the All-Star infielder as they enter the second half and on into the post-season.
I thought he was a one year wonder also. To win the World Series the Dodgers cannot have sub-220 hitters in the line-up no matter how good their gloves might be, Therefore, Muncie should be starting every game at second base. Do you agree… bench Kiki
WJeff,
I agree, Kike needs to start less. Joc is an odd man out though too, can’t hit lefty’s. So I think Muncy should stay at 1st, Taylor takes 2nd. Joc/Kike fill in roles.
Too bad we haven’t tried him at CATCHER ! We need someone behind the plate who can HIT !
ps- He IS kinda built like a catcher !