In the fast-paced world of Major League Baseball, where the thrill of home runs captures the imagination, the importance of defense remains crucial — especially for teams aiming for playoff contention. Los Angeles Dodgers’ third baseman Max Muncy has found himself in a difficult position this season, struggling defensively and raising questions about his future with the franchise.
For the bulk of his career, Muncy showcased a reliable glove. His ability to field effectively, coupled with impressive range, made him an asset on the diamond. Infielders play a pivotal role when it comes to supporting pitchers, particularly those who thrive on sinkers. When the ball is hit into the ground, those infielders must be ready to respond, anticipating the action and making quick decisions. Muncy exemplified this during the earlier years of his career.
However, this season has seen a decline in his defensive performance. With a fielding percentage of .925—meaning he has committed eight errors in just 106 chances—Muncy ranks 17th among eligible third basemen in the league. These numbers are concerning, especially when you consider that a strong offense can sometimes offset defensive shortcomings.
Yet here lies the challenge: Muncy’s offensive output this season has been less than desirable. Batting only .205 with just three home runs and 21 runs batted in puts him in a precarious position. It’s a situation that has the Dodgers’ management pondering how much longer they can afford to stick with him. Manager Dave Roberts has expressed faith in Muncy, acknowledging his commitment to putting in the extra work. “I see him working consistently every day. So that’s what I’m going to keep betting on. But, yeah, he’s still got to make the plays,” Roberts remarked about Muncy’s efforts.
While it’s commendable that Muncy is striving to improve, the reality is that if these efforts don’t lead to results, the team may have to address his struggles head-on. With the Dodgers’ significant payroll, they have the flexibility to explore the trade market for a more reliable option at third base.
One name that could potentially help is Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his remarkable defensive skills with a career fielding percentage of .977, Kiner-Falefa can seamlessly rotate between infield positions. While he might not have the home run prowess that Muncy has shown in the past, the Dodgers boast a deep roster filled with powerful hitters who could carry the load offensively.
Another option could be calling up prospect Alex Freeland, currently ranked as MLB’s 48th-best prospect. Though primarily a shortstop, Freeland’s versatility could provide an alternative solution at third base for the Dodgers.
For those with a more ambitious mindset, the allure of St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado is enticing. However, acquiring Arenado would likely require a hefty trade involving top prospects and taking on a significant portion of his contract.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ primary goal is to ensure they have a solid performer at third base—one who can contribute positively on defense while maintaining a respectable batting average of at least .250. As it stands, Muncy is struggling to meet these expectations, which may lead to the conclusion of his tenure with the Dodgers sooner rather than later. If things don’t turn around, the team may have tough decisions to make as they look to solidify their playoff hopes.
