Coming off a first career All-Star season, Max Muncy agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal included a club option for the 2023 season and bought out Muncy’s three years of arbitration.
Even with financial security for the first time, Muncy went into Spring Training this year with the same mindset he had to earn a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. In reality, he was set to remain their starting first baseman.
The outlook for Muncy’s 2020 season quickly changed as he was hit by a pitch in the left hand during the Dodgers’ first intrasquad game in Summer Camp. He returned for exhibition play and was on the active roster.
However, it quickly became evident Muncy wasn’t his usual self in the batter’s box. He later revealed the hit by pitch caused a fracture in the ring finger on his left hand. Muncy didn’t use the injury as an excuse, though did acknowledge it caused a bit of a mental block.
He appeared in 58 games and batted a lowly .192/.331/.389 with four doubles, 12 home runs and 27 RBI. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts continued to voice confidence in Muncy, who did post the second highest walk rate of his career at 15.7%.
Muncy remained in the cleanup spot for the postseason and had more mixed results. He started all 18 games and hit .250/.438/.467 with four doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI and 20 walks. Muncy hit safely in 12 playoff games and throughout his plate appearances continued to run counts and draw free passes, helping set the table in key moments.
2020 highlight
Prior to it becoming evident Muncy would not meet expectations this season, he enjoyed a big performance in just the second game. He went 3-for-4 with a double and two home runs in the Dodgers’ 9-1 rout of the San Francisco Giants.
In the postseason, Muncy had a double, home run and two RBI in the Dodgers’ historic win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. Then in the World Series, he drew one walk in five of the six games.
2021 outlook
Muncy will look to shake off his down season and presumably remains the first baseman for 2021. Of course, he is capable of playing second base as well, which currently is a question mark for the Dodgers.
Dependent on how free agency unfolds and possible trades, it theoretically is possible — even if unlikely — Muncy slides over to play second if it will be in the team’s best interest.
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