Max Muncy’s All-Star Return

PHILADELPHIA — Early in Max Muncy’s career, there were plenty of moments when he doubted he’d ever make it to the All-Star Game.

And over the past few years, he really wasn’t sure if he’d get the opportunity again.

So, arriving in Philadelphia for his third All-Star Game, Muncy took a moment to reflect. This year felt, well, a bit more significant.

“Once you hit 30, you start questioning yourself,” Muncy shared. “People say you’re past your prime, and, I think, it can make you wonder. Given the injuries I’ve dealt with, I wasn’t sure if I’d be here again.”

But in what can only be described as a comeback season for the 35-year-old, Muncy was named the National League’s starting third baseman. This marked his return to the Midsummer Classic for the first time in five years, after appearances in 2019 and 2021.

This week, he enjoyed the experience, savoring an achievement that once seemed out of reach.

“I always believed I could play at this level,” he commented. “I just needed to stay healthy, and thankfully, this year allowed me to show that.”

Interestingly, his selection sparked surprise too. Until 2018, Muncy was toiling in the minors, struggling for chances at the MLB level. Then, in a remarkable turn of events, he became one of the Dodgers’ most formidable hitters.

Looking back, his return to this elite status feels, in some ways, just as unlikely as his initial breakthrough.

At the close of 2021, surgery for a significant elbow injury left him battling ongoing effects, which resulted in disappointing stats over the following years, a mere .204 average and 57 home runs in 2022 and 2023.

While Muncy’s performance improved somewhat in 2024 and 2025 with a .238 average and .849 OPS, he struggled with recurring injuries that limited him to 173 games.

At his age, it was beginning to feel like maintaining robust health was a tall order.

This year, though, Muncy changed his approach. He shed some weight in the offseason and focused on treatment for his oblique issues.

The result? Perhaps the most consistent performance of his career with a .259 batting average, 17 home runs, an .842 OPS, and defensive skills at third base that rival the best in the league, despite a recent streak of errors.

Getting recognized as an All-Star third baseman especially mattered to him since he had previously played as a first and second baseman.

“After moving to third, there were naysayers telling me I was bad at defense there. I worked hard to prove them wrong,” he noted.

Another reason this year’s selection feels especially meaningful is that all three of Muncy’s children can enjoy the experience.

“The first two didn’t even exist yet,” he joked.

While preparing for their trip, he chuckled about how, after a late arrival Sunday night, he and his wife, Kelly, stayed up until 4:30 a.m. setting up their hotel room.

As the week unfolded, each event became more memorable, from the arrival at the stadium to the pregame red carpet walk.

“My daughter is all about dressing up,” Muncy said, clearly excited about her enthusiasm.

These are cherished moments from a week he thought might never come again.

“This feels a little more special,” he reflected.