The Highs of an Early Season Surge
Last year, the Dodgers’ third baseman, Max Muncy, experienced a promising beginning to the season. Through the first five weeks, his batting average soared to an impressive .263, and his .940 OPS placed him among the top-10 in the National League. With nine home runs under his belt, he was neck and neck with Shohei Ohtani for the team lead. More importantly, Muncy felt a renewed sense of health and vigor, something he hadn’t experienced since his season-ending elbow injury in 2021. "I felt really good," Muncy recalled, adding that while he wasn’t back to his peak performance, he was steadily making progress. This early success was a significant morale booster for Muncy, who was determined to shake off the disappointing performances from the previous two years.
The Downfall and the Dark Times
However, Muncy’s resurgence was short-lived. In mid-May, he was sidelined with an oblique injury that would eventually turn into a three-month ordeal. The injury proved to be more complicated than initially anticipated, as a displaced rib was only detected after repeated setbacks in his recovery. Each time he tried to return to a hitting program, he faced painful flare-ups that only added to his frustration and doubt. "When you’re in month three of not playing, and nothing’s getting better, you’re starting to have thoughts in your head," Muncy admitted. "Like, ‘Is this my body telling me that you just can’t do this anymore?’ That was a tough one for me." The physical and mental toll of the injury tested Muncy’s resilience, but he remained determined to overcome the odds.
A Comeback to Remember
By August, Muncy’s perseverance paid off. Chiropractic treatments realigned his rib, and pain-reducing injections finally eased his oblique strain. What followed was a remarkable comeback, as he posted a .925 OPS in the remaining weeks of the regular season. Muncy’s resurgence was not just a statistical blip; it played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ march to the World Series. His record-breaking streak of reaching base 12 straight times in the National League Championship Series was a testament to his resilience and the mental clarity he had regained. Reflecting on the year, Muncy acknowledged two key takeaways: his productivity when on the field and the newfound appreciation for the game he gained during his injury.
Embracing a New Perspective
The injury saga provided Muncy with a fresh perspective on his career. As he entered the pivotal 2025 season, with his contract set to expire at the end of the year and the Dodgers holding a $10-million club option for 2026, Muncy realized the value of each playing opportunity. "The injury kind of gave me a new light," he said. "It’s always been a blessing to be out there and play this game. But when you start reaching a point last year where you weren’t sure if you were going to be able to come back at all, you start really being grateful for the opportunities you have to be out there." This renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation has become a driving force for Muncy, who is entering his age-34 season with a heightened sense of purpose and determination.
Navigating Trade Rumors
The offseason brought its own set of challenges, with the Dodgers being linked to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Speculation ran rampant that Arenado, a Southern California native with a desire to play for the Dodgers, might be a long-term replacement for Muncy. Despite the public discourse and online chatter, the Dodgers’ general manager, Brandon Gomes, reaffirmed Muncy as the team’s starting third baseman during the winter meetings. Muncy, for his part, remained unfazed by the rumors. "Look, you can’t control rumors, you can’t control anything like that," he stated. "It’s an honor and a blessing to show up every single day and put on the Dodger blue … I’m gonna lay it all out on the line until I’m told I can’t do that anymore. And at the end of the day, that’s all I can control."
Preparing for the Upcoming Season
This spring, Muncy arrived in Arizona several weeks early to focus on his defensive skills. He has been working diligently on improving his footwork, glove position, and comfort level with glove-hand only plays, a necessary adjustment from his earlier days as a first and second baseman. "I feel like I’ve made huge strides, but I have a long way to go," Muncy said, acknowledging his progress while remaining committed to continuous improvement. He has also been building chemistry with new shortstop Mookie Betts, learning each other’s tendencies on ground balls and how to coordinate their movements effectively. "He really wants to know how we’re going to interact on the left side of the field, what communication we’re going to use," Muncy explained. At the plate, Muncy’s confidence is palpable, and he has already made a strong impression in the Cactus League. "I think Max looks great right now," manager Dave Roberts commented, emphasizing that Muncy’s success starts with being in good physical condition. As he prepares for the 2025 season, Muncy’s single-minded focus is clear: "I gotta enjoy every second of this I have."
