As the Dodgers’ clubhouse was cleared out on Friday night, Max Muncy took a moment to reflect on how it all began for him.
It’s interesting to think back to 2018—the year a norovirus outbreak unexpectedly opened the door for him during spring training, and an injury to Logan Forsythe later paved the way for his call-up to the majors.
Who would have predicted that he’d be making such a mark? It’s hard to believe he’s hit more home runs in a Dodgers uniform than the legendary Steve Garvey. And then, at 35, he ended an exciting game with a walk-off home run and three total homers, leading to an 8-7 victory over the Rangers.
“Not too shabby,” Muncy said, shaking his head in disbelief. “It’s not bad.”
Given how his career with the Dodgers kicked off, Muncy has seemingly done everything to keep it going—certainly a tale he could tell his future grandkids.
“It’s really special,” he mentioned.
His three-home-run game underscored his resilience. Muncy recently managed to bounce back from a serious injury—a dislocated elbow and torn ligament suffered in 2021 when he was taken out at first base.
“It was tough to hit the way I wanted, particularly since it was my back arm,” he said. “Getting the ball into the left-field seats was challenging. Over the last couple of years, I’ve made some strides, though. Breaking through the middle of the field generally means everything’s clicking for me.”
Friday’s performance was, in a way, a result of sacrifice. That, and maybe giving up something he loved.
“I had to really limit the amount of bread I ate,” Muncy confessed. “That’s been tough, as we’re a family that really enjoys it.”
He entered spring training weighing 207 pounds—17 pounds lighter than last year—thanks to a shift in his diet.
“I know where I stand at this point,” Muncy stated. “I’ve always been a strong player. Now, I’m putting my focus more on mobility and agility rather than just strength in the offseason.”
According to Major League Baseball’s Statcast, his defensive performance has improved significantly, ranking in the 88th percentile, a big leap from last year’s 10th percentile.
“I feel good,” he said. “I’m reading the ball better and moving well. In the past, I struggled with certain grounders, often getting caught in tough positions. But now everything seems to flow, and I feel healthy—that’s crucial.”
Despite this focus on mobility, Muncy has kept his signature power, as shown by a home run he hit to right field on Friday.
Interestingly, while he had only one homer in the last 11 games, manager Dave Roberts attributed Muncy’s recent resurgence to his mindset.
“Doctor, I’m really close,” Muncy reportedly told Roberts.
“In previous seasons, I think there would have been a wave of anxiety,” Roberts noted.
Known for his more pessimistic outlook, Muncy surprisingly expressed optimism, even suggesting he believed he could hit .300 this season—a mark he’s never reached before.
“I think that’s the effect of three kids on him,” Roberts joked. “He’s starting to feel a bit more positive.”
Roberts also mentioned that Muncy’s contract extension, which lasts through the 2028 season, seems to have brought him some peace regarding his future.
With likely three World Series championships under his belt and 213 home runs—one more than Garvey—Muncy is solidifying his legacy in Los Angeles.
“This is significant for me,” Muncy said. “Garvey is a Dodger icon. His consistency and how he played the game are what every Dodger stands for.”
Muncy’s journey continues to unfold.
