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Dodgers' Max Muncy Defends Teammate's All-Star Selection

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 6:00 PM ET

Nobody is arguing about Clayton Kershaw’s legacy.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ legendary starting pitcher further cemented himself among baseball’s all-time greats when he recorded his 3,000th strikeout last week.

However, his All-Star selection did raise a few eyebrows.

Commissioner Rob Manfred utilized a “Legend Pick” to get Kershaw into the Midsummer Classic. The last time he did that was in 2022 for Albert Pujols, who was in his final year, and Miguel Cabrera, who played just 98 games in 2023 to wrap up his career.

While Kershaw did not take another, more deserving player’s spot, the choice was a little surprising considering he has made no indication that he is retiring soon. His Dodgers teammates do not care, and Max Muncy is particularly appreciative of his service.

Here is what Muncy had to say on the “Foul Territory” podcast:

"When you're one of the best pitchers in the game, you kind of deserve everything you're going to get."

Max Muncy discusses Clayton Kershaw's greatness after he was selected to his 11th All-Star Game as a Legend Pick. pic.twitter.com/jbaLiPY34g
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 8, 2025

Kershaw has made just 10 starts this year, going 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA, a 4.19 FIP, and 35 strikeouts to 15 walks over 50 and 2/3 innings. For a regular pitcher, that would not be enough to earn All-Star honors.

But Kershaw is not a regular pitcher.

He has already been in 10 of those games, has won three Cy Youngs, an MVP, a Triple Crown, and a Robert Clemente Humanitarian Award. Honoring him in the same fashion as Pujols and Cabrera feels right, even if this is a bit premature for the retirement tour.

The All-Star Game is still prestigious, and adding a future first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee, even in an “off-year,” is the proper way to celebrate icons of the sport.

Muncy, who has been teammates with Kershaw since 2018, will likely go to his grave defending his incredible starting pitcher.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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