Dodgers Manager, GM Praise Max Muncy’s Defense at Third Base
The Dodgers have asked a lot of Max Muncy throughout his Dodgers career — and he has answered the bill every time. The Dodgers signed him to a minor league contract and Muncy turned that into two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove nod, and one of the game’s most prolific home run hitters.
Last year, the Dodgers asked even more of Muncy by moving him over to third base full-time. He struggled defensively but made up for it by hitting a career-high 36 homers.
This offseason, Muncy emphasized his defense. He slimmed down a bit to be more agile on his feet and get behind the ball.
This has paid off so far as he has looked far more comfortable at the hot corner. During the Dodgers’ second exhibition game in South Korea, Muncy made a backhand stab while sliding and made the throw to first in time.
Here’s a video of the impressive play:
It was an impressive play all around, and everything looked fluid from the footwork to the flow. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts took notice of the play.
“It was a heckuva play. Really hit hard off the bat. He’s working hard every day. He and Dino. It was a highlight watching make that play.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, via Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain
Last year, that ball might have gotten underneath Muncy’s glove and down the line for a double. It even caught the eye of the upper brass as Dodgers’ general Brandon Gomes also praised Muncy.
“Never mind getting to the ball, but an absolutely perfect throw across the diamond. A testament to all the work Muncy’s put in this offseason as well.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes, via Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain
When Muncy first signed with the Dodgers, he graded out as one of the worst defensive first basemen in the league. He worked hard on it, though, and wound up being a Gold Glove finalist.
It would be a stretch to say that Muncy will earn Gold Glove considerations this year at third base. It’s an entirely different position and more physically demanding by all accounts. However, even an upgrade to league average defensively could make him one of the most valuable players at the position.
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Making highlight plays are nice but just make all the basic plays are necessary. Losing some weight have made him look more light on his foot and quicker. His reaction time seem to have improved and his hands have gotten more smooth and softer in receiving. He doesn’t have to be a gold glover but a more than average fielder will be a big boost on the left side along with his big bat in the middle.
Gone are the days when most third basemen had iron jaws and steel chests. Nowadays a third baseman needs to field his position cleanly and make the hard plays look routine and the routine play an afterthought. No doubt losing 10-15 lbs will help Max in the long run as far as getting down on the ball and making the throw across the diamonds. it could also make his bat a little faster. This could be a breakout year for Muncy at 3rd base. He has always had the offensive punch. Now he can become an all around star on the diamond….