Several months before the offseason, rumor mills are working overtime about the names projected to work wonders. One veteran slugger from the Dodgers is catching eyes there. Even at the age of 34, his recent figures are proving his worth. What’s even more commendable is how the guy made a comeback from a historical slump. We are talking about Max Muncy.
His start to the 2025 campaign was anything but promising. Over the team’s first 30 games, his batting average hovered in the low .100s, and he had yet to hit a single home run. Now, with amplifying criticisms, Muncy flipped the narrative. Over his last 43 games, he’s slashed .313 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs. A figure that has not only reinstated his value to the Dodgers, but could renew the market interest once he hits free agency after this season.
“Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, who’s eligible for free agency after the season, certainly is proving that he could be a hot commodity this winter with his power show the past month,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale shared.
Muncy’s two-year contract with the Dodgers will end after this season. And then, he will be a free agent. And if he continues with the recent surge, a few suitors will likely be in line. Because even at this age, he is showing to have enough fuel for a year or two.
“He’s one of our most trusted hitters,” Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts mentioned a few weeks ago.
Since the 2025 opening day, Muncy has spent time tweaking his swing and getting his mechanics right. And everything seemed to finally change during a May 9 game in Arizona. In a key ninth-inning at-bat against Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel, Muncy jumped on a high fastball and ripped a game-tying single to right.
For Dodgerland, that moment felt different. It was like Muncy had finally rediscovered the swing he’d been chasing for years. And from that point on, there was no turning back…
Before that game, Muncy had struggled badly, hitting just .188 with 1 homer and 8 RBIs through 36 games. But since that at-bat in Arizona, he’s looked like a completely different hitter, arguably one of the best in baseball. And that might work best for him during free agency.
Dodgers or others? Muncy’s probable options
Just a few days ago, Muncy acknowledged his intention to end his career as a Dodger. But he is also aware of the business side of things. While considering Muncy’s recent form, the Dodgers may proceed to retain him, but that’s speculative. But with Teoscar Hernandez and Miguel Rojas already in the fray to lead the hot corner, the Dodgers might look out for a younger option as well.
And in that case, the first choice here will be the Yankees!
Well, it feels like the Yankees have been connected to D-Backs slugger Eugenio Suarez forever. But nothing has come to fruition. And currently, the team has DJ LeMahieu (2HR & 11 RBIs) struggling at third. In this case, Muncy might be a good veteran alternative to LeMahieu over Suarez. Again, it’s purely speculative, but anything can happen in baseball.
Now, with Max Muncy holding things down at third, the Yankees have a chance to finally add a steady veteran presence at the hot corner. That move would also allow them to move Jazz Chisholm back to his natural spot at second base. Hence, a win-win for their infield.
And if not the Bronx, Max Muncy might go to the Twins or the Athletics to solve their 3B gaps.
Clearly, his free agency will be a show to watch…
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