One of the more productive members of the Dodgers record-setting offense last season was third baseman, Max Muncy. Muncy did enough to earn a new contract extension through the 2026 season.
He wanted to remain with the Dodgers and even took slightly less money than he would have received on his initial team option to stay. Since joining LA back in 2018, Muncy has been a tremendous addition to the team and a great teammate.
MLB insider Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report ranked the third baseman from the 2023 season and Muncy came in ranked just outside the top 10 of the list.
"11. Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers: Stats: 135 G, 115 OPS+, .212/.333/.475, 54 XBH (36 HR), 105 RBI, 1 SB, 2.6 WAR"
"Muncy has a .204 batting average over the past two seasons, and he doesn't have the range to be a plus defensive third baseman (-3 DRS, -14.8 UZR/150 in 2023) since the Freddie Freeman signing pushed him across the diamond. However, he continues to be a productive power hitter with solid on-base skills."
Muncy put together a solid season for the Dodgers last year, even with his lower batting average. He remains a valuable member of the LA lineup and gives them a nice power-hitting bat in the middle of the order.
His defensive metrics leave something to be desired, but his bat more than makes up for it. The Dodgers are completely okay with his defensive lapses at times, as long as he continues to produce heavily at the plate.
I may have put Muncy up slightly higher, but I'm not complaining too much about where he landed on the list. LA has a top-15 third baseman, and that is a great thing!
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