Max Muncy, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ hard-hitting third baseman, has been under the microscope in 2025, facing a rocky start but showing signs of a comeback. Just days ago, on May 8, Muncy made headlines by embracing a new look—prescription glasses—to sharpen his vision at the plate, a move inspired by teammate Kiké Hernández. This tweak paid off with his first home run of the season on April 30, ending a 106-plate-appearance drought, the longest of his career. Fans erupted on X, with posts like “The drought is over!” celebrating the milestone. Yet, despite this spark, Muncy’s .176 batting average and .585 OPS through 130 plate appearances have fueled trade rumors, particularly involving St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado. Let’s dive into Muncy’s journey, his response to the chatter, and what’s next for the two-time All-Star.
Max Muncy Faces the Heat: Trade Rumors Swirl
The Dodgers’ high-octane lineup, featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, has carried the team to a 17-10 start, but Max Muncy’s struggles have raised eyebrows. Speculation about acquiring Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, has intensified, with reports suggesting the Dodgers could move Muncy to make room. Muncy addressed the rumors candidly on May 8, saying, “It’s baseball. It’s a business.” He acknowledged hearing the chatter but remained focused, noting his affordable $10 million club option for 2026 makes him a cost-effective asset compared to Arenado’s $275 million deal through 2027. Despite the noise, Dodgers’ management has publicly backed Muncy, with MLB insider Bob Nightengale stating there’s no immediate plan to trade him.
Muncy’s recent performance offers hope. After hitting a solo homer against the Miami Marlins, he followed up with an RBI double and groundout against the Atlanta Braves on May 4, marking his second multi-RBI game. His new glasses, debuted in clear frames, have helped him see pitches better, reducing eye strain and boosting confidence. “If it works, you roll with it,” Muncy said, hinting at a potential turnaround.
Max Muncy’s Path Forward: Can He Silence the Critics?
Muncy’s career trajectory is a testament to resilience. Once an afterthought with the Oakland Athletics, he transformed into a Dodgers’ powerhouse, ranking ninth on their all-time home run list with 190. His 2024 season saw 36 homers despite injuries, but 2025’s power outage—only one homer so far—has tested his patience. Manager Dave Roberts, puzzled by the slump, remains optimistic, noting Muncy’s history of rebounding. “He’s done this every year,” Roberts said on April 26.
Here’s a snapshot of Muncy’s 2025 struggles versus his career norms:
| Stat | 2025 Season | Career Avg. (162 Games) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .176 | .230 |
| Home Runs | 1 | 38 |
| OPS | .585 | .814 |
| Plate Appearances | 130 | ~600 |
The Dodgers face a critical juncture. With Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández on the injured list, Muncy’s bat is vital. Fans are split—some call for prospect Alex Freeland, while others trust Muncy’s veteran grit. A May 7 report from The Athletic highlighted his swing adjustments, noting he’s corrected a “misunderstanding” that caused him to lunge forward, robbing him of power. This tweak, paired with his glasses, could be the key to unlocking his potential.
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As the Dodgers chase another World Series, Muncy’s story is one of perseverance. The trade rumors sting, but he’s no stranger to adversity. His recent hits, including a two-run double against the Braves on April 3, show flashes of the slugger fans adore. Will he reclaim his form and quiet the doubters? With every at-bat, Muncy’s fighting to prove he’s still a cornerstone of this dynasty. Keep watching—this veteran’s far from done.