SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 19: Adolis García #53 of the Texas Rangers poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Dodgers Committed to Max Muncy at Third But Is It Right?..
The Los Angeles Dodgers are making it clear that Max Muncy is their starting third baseman heading into the 2025 season. Despite his injury struggles last year and declining numbers on both offense and defense, the Dodgers have shown no signs of seeking a long-term replacement. But Muncy’s admission that he questioned whether his body could still handle the game raises a significant question: What happens if he gets injured again? Muncy spent three months on the injured list in 2024 due to a stubborn oblique injury, an absence that made him contemplate retirement. His durability is a significant concern as a player who has battled injuries in recent seasons. While he remains a fan favorite and an integral part of the team’s clubhouse, his production has slipped. Defensively, Muncy has struggled at third base, and his range and reaction time have declined. Offensively, his power is still there, but his
batting average and on-base percentage have dipped from his peak years. The Dodgers’ decision to stick with Muncy likely contributed to their not aggressively pursuing a trade for someone like Nolan Arenado this offseason. While trade rumors circulated, Los Angeles ultimately stood by its veteran infielder. Muncy, for his part, welcomed the idea of competition but made it clear he wanted to contribute in any way he could. If Muncy goes down again, the Dodgers have some contingency plans, but none are long-term solutions. Kiké Hernández can fill in at third occasionally, but he’s more suited for a utility role. The team could also shift someone like Chris Taylor into the position, but he’s far from an ideal defensive option. With no clear successor at third base, the Dodgers are taking a risk by relying on Muncy’s ability to stay healthy. While he remains a beloved figure in Dodger Blue, his declining numbers and injury history create a potential weakness in an otherwise stacked lineup. If he struggles or gets hurt again, the team could be scrambling for answers at the hot corner-a position that demands stability for a championship contender.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are making it clear that Max Muncy is their starting third baseman heading into the 2025 season. Despite his injury struggles last year and declining numbers on both offense and defense, the Dodgers have shown no signs of seeking a long-term replacement. But Muncy’s admission that he questioned whether his body could still handle the game raises a significant question: What happens if he gets injured again? Muncy spent three months on the injured list in 2024 due to a stubborn oblique injury, an absence that made him contemplate retirement. His durability is a significant concern as a player who has battled injuries in recent seasons. While he remains a fan favorite and an integral part of the team’s clubhouse, his production has slipped. Defensively, Muncy has struggled at third base, and his range and reaction time have declined. Offensively, his power is still there, but his batting average and on-base percentage have dipped from his peak years. The Dodgers’ decision to stick with Muncy
likely contributed to their not aggressively pursuing a trade for someone like Nolan Arenado this offseason. While trade rumors circulated, Los Angeles ultimately stood by its veteran infielder. Muncy, for his part, welcomed the idea of competition but made it clear he wanted to contribute in any way he could. If Muncy goes down again, the Dodgers have some contingency plans, but none are long-term solutions. Kiké Hernández can fill in at third occasionally, but he’s more suited for a utility role. The team could also shift someone like Chris Taylor into the position, but he’s far from an ideal defensive option. With no clear successor at third base, the Dodgers are taking a risk by relying on Muncy’s ability to stay healthy. While he remains a beloved figure in Dodger Blue, his declining numbers and injury history create a potential weakness in an otherwise stacked lineup. If he struggles or gets hurt again, the team could be scrambling for answers at the hot corner-a position that demands stability for a championship contender.
