Eric Karros reminded Max Muncy this spring about his home run record, which is something Muncy might have already been considering. With about two-and-a-half years left on his contract, Muncy is just 39 home runs away from matching Karros’ franchise record of 270 home runs as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Once Muncy hits one more home run at home, he’ll tie Karros for the most home runs hit at Dodger Stadium. Karros amassed 130 home runs at that venue during his 12 seasons with the team.
Muncy admitted earlier this season that the record is “within reach” and is making progress, having already achieved 17 home runs this season. He joked that Karros played a little prank on him, suggesting that if Muncy breaks the record, it wouldn’t last long. Karros quipped about the potential overshadowing by Shohei Ohtani in the future.
The weight of Muncy’s pursuit of the record isn’t lost on those who know the franchise’s history. Reflecting on this milestone, Muncy expressed his disbelief at the thought of being in such a position. He recognizes the long, storied history of the franchise and the great players who have come through, saying, “It’s surreal for me.” He’s always believed in his skills but never imagined he could reach this level.
Karros echoed that sentiment, noticing their similar roles on teams filled with stars. He expressed continued support for Muncy and acknowledged that while both played alongside significant talents, Muncy deserves more recognition. Despite sharing the spotlight with MVP award winners, Muncy has only made two All-Star appearances during his career, but a third selection seems likely this year. He signed a recent one-year extension for $10 million, reflecting his commitment to the team.
Nonetheless, Muncy’s contributions have been substantial. He was part of all three recent World Series wins for the Dodgers and has emerged as a veteran leader, enduring the ups and downs of being a perennial championship contender. His ability to overcome injuries while remaining a key player is commendable.
Manager Dave Roberts noted Muncy’s maturity and trust in the process, expressing confidence in him. This season marked Muncy’s 11th with the Dodgers, and he is now the team’s longest-tenured player, a fact he appreciates deeply.
In an impressive 2026 season, Muncy posted a career-high .265 batting average, showcasing his abilities and also contributed defensively with a notable plus-7 defensive runs saved at third base. He attributes his success to feeling healthier and having made beneficial changes, including a recent medical procedure that helped address previous injuries.
As he closes in on Karros’ franchise home run record, Muncy needs to maintain a steady pace of 16 home runs over the next few seasons. “It’s a place I never thought I’d be in,” he acknowledged.
Karlos, now in a broadcasting role, will continue to cheer for Muncy, expressing how deserving he is of breaking the record. “It would be great if he broke it,” he said, adding with a grin that Muncy might hold the record until Shohei Ohtani comes along.
