Max Muncy will represent the Los Angeles Dodgers among the 2026 MLB All-Star Game starters as the third baseman for the National League team.
Muncy joined Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alex Bohm as the two finalists at the position in Phase 2 of voting. Muncy was ahead of Bohm throughout Phase 1 and that remained in the case in the second round despite vote totals resetting as fans determined All-Star Game starters.
Will Smith (catcher), Freddie Freeman (first base), Mookie Betts (shortstop), Andy Pages (outfield) and Teoscar Hernández (outfield) were among the other All-Star Game finalists for the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani earned the automatic starting spot as designated hitter by virtue of receiving the most votes of any NL player in Phase 1.
It is the third All-Star appearance of Muncy’s career and his first since the 2021 season. Additionally, it marks the first time that the 35-year-old has earned a starting role as a position player.
Muncy was in the NL lineup for the 2021 Midsummer Classic, but served as their designated hitter. In fact, he only appeared in seven games at third base that season. Being the NL’s starting third baseman in 2026 is a testament to how much Muncy has grown as a defender in recent years.
Among all qualified NL third basemen with at least 200 at-bats, Muncy ranks first in slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging and home runs. He is also second in batting average and on-base percentage, and ranks in the top five for doubles, walks and RBI.
Muncy was among the players manager Dave Roberts specifically mentioned as being hopeful for earning an All-Star Game selection this year.
“I think the defense has been as good as it’s been since I can recall. The way he’s moving, period. The way he’s catching it, accurate arm, always had an accurate arm, the body, he put in a lot of work with his body this offseason to put himself in a good spot, and then I think, that’s helped the consistency of the swing mechanics,” Roberts recently said.
“But also I think for me, Max has really matured as far as not letting things that he can’t control bother him. I think in years past, when it didn’t go well, it would start to speed up, and I think that now he’s managed the lows, and the highs have been much more consistent.
“And I said this even last year, year and a half ago, he’s just a better hitter now. I do think that he values getting a hit more than he used to, and for me it’s fun to watch him take at-bats, and be a hitter, and then runs into a homer. So it’s fun, and I’m happy to see him at the top.
“But this All-Star Game, if it works out, this is going to mean a lot to him.”
Is Max Muncy going to participate in HR Derby?
With an All-Star Game nod now secured, the next question is whether or not Muncy will participate in the 2026 Home Run Derby. He’s expressed a willingness to do so in previous years if he was selected to the All-Star Game as well.
Muncy is part of the Dodgers being the only team in baseball this season to have six players with at least 10 home runs.
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