Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy broke out onto the scene as one of baseball’s biggest surprises last season, coming out of nowhere to post ridiculous power numbers en route to a career year at the plate.
In 137 games, the 28-year-old hit .263/.391/.582 with 17 doubles, 35 home runs and 79 RBI over 481 opportunities during the regular season. He went on to bat .200/.355/.400 in 16 postseason contests and was responsible for the Dodgers’ lone win in the World Series by hitting a memorable walk-off home run in the 18th inning in Game 4.
Now entering his second season with the Dodgers, Muncy reported to Camelback Ranch with much more stability this time around as he is all but guaranteed a spot on the club’s Opening Day roster.
Having established himself as a known quantity, Muncy acknowledged that Spring Training has a different feel to it this year, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
“It’s a lot different for me,” the 28-year-old Muncy said. “I’m trying to treat it the same as years in the past, but obviously it’s a lot harder for me.”
Unlike last season when he had to earn a promotion to the Majors, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts envisions Muncy as an everyday player in 2019. He’ll likely receive the bulk of his playing time at first base, although he can occasionally step in at second base if needed.
Roberts is betting on Muncy to prove that his 2018 campaign wasn’t a fluke and that he’ll once again be a force in the middle of the club’s lineup.
