The Los Angeles Dodgers made significant changes to their lineup from how it was set on Opening Day, with two of the biggest being dropping Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker in the batting order.
The Dodgers have been one of the best offenses in the league all season long, and some stretches of inconsistency are being put to bed by their MVP winners Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Betts each finding their stride.
But an excellent supporting cast has also contributed to the lineup being so effective, sitting comfortably in the top-three for runs produced. Max Muncy is one such player and he is enjoying one of his best offensive seasons in his 11th Major League season.
Muncy is one of the hitters outside the top four in the Dodgers lineup and whose spot can change from day-to-day, depending on the situation.
“You know, with our team, it doesn’t really matter,” Muncy said during an appearance on the “On Base with Mookie Betts” podcast when discussing his spot in the order.
“I guess from a selfish standpoint, you want to hit in certain spots because you want opportunities to drive guys in. But honestly, with our lineup, it doesn’t matter. You’re going to get the opportunity, regardless of if you’re hitting first, ninth, fifth, eighth. It doesn’t really matter. You’re going to have opportunities to drive runs in, you’re going to have opportunities to get big hits.
“If I’m being totally honest — and this is something I never realized — because like you said, I’ve always hit more middle of the order, or top of the order, when you bat down at the bottom, you don’t get as many at-bats per game. So if you get that 1-for-3, or me because I walk, you get that 1-for-2 with a walk, your numbers look a lot better than if you get five or six at-bats a game.”
Muncy is performing at a higher level than last season, which is a real compliment considering how well he played in 2025. Muncy has already matched his hit total from the previous season in 26 fewer at-bats. He has also increased his slugging percentage by 28 points.
However, drawing walks is an area where Muncy has not fared as well. It’s resulted in a lower on-base percentage compared to a year ago, but at .359 it is still well above average in 2026.
Max Muncy starting in All-Star Game
Max Muncy will represent the Dodgers among the 2026 MLB All-Star Game starters as the third baseman for the National League team.
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.
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