Dodgers: Was Max Muncy More Deserving of a Spot Among the NL All-Star Starters?
After what seemed like an all out campaign to get some Dodger representation into the National League starters for the All-Star Game, voting finally came to a close on Thursday. It seemed as if all the hard work wasn’t enough as no Dodger player was voted as a starter.
While it is a huge disappointment, the biggest shocker may have been Max Muncy coming in at second place behind Freddie Freeman of the Atlanta Braves. It was no close loss either Freeman (47% of the vote) received 13% more than Muncy (34%).
When asked about his reaction to hearing the defeating news, Muncy was thankful for all those that rallied behind him.
“It is what it is. Fans didn’t feel I deserved a spot and that’s kinda really all it was. Dodger fans were out there doing their best. Unfortunately, it’s a lot of the country against us, but thank you to all the Dodger fans that did vote, not just for me but for all of us. We really appreciated it.”
The question that remains is, where those other fans right?
Who’s Performing Better? Max vs. Freddie
Don’t get me wrong, Freddie Freeman is a great player and has been one of the better first basemen in the league for years. However, Max Muncy is slightly having a better season overall and bests him in just about every offensive category. A quick look at their state lines before today shows just that.
- .264/.418/.556, .973 OPS
- 17 HR, 38 RBI, 52 BB/54K
- 2.9 offensive WAR
- .261/.368/.474, .843 OPS
- 17 HR, 44 RBI, 48 BB/68 K
- 1.5 offensive WAR
It’s clear that Muncy was more deserving of the award, especially since he’s posted similar or better numbers in 11 fewer games. He’s also been red hot since his return from an oblique injury and is showing no signs of slowing down. Even the Nationals couldn’t stop him as he connected with a Patrick Corbin pitch for a grand slam in the eventual rain-shortened victory. Muncy has also shown off his defensive skills on the field by sliding over to second to make the occasional highlight reel play. Granted Freeman can’t do the same, but you get the gist.
Final Thoughts
While Muncy and the rest of the Boys in Blue may get another shot to make the NL All-Star team as reserves, it’s a fair question to wonder how and why Max wasn’t voted as a starter. Hopefully, that will only light a fire in him to continue to be the most productive Dodger this season.
NEXT: Corey Seager Placed on 60-Day IL, LA Claims Pitcher, Max Muncy First Half MVP
Looks like Muncy was snubbed.
The ASG is nothing but a popularity contest as far as who starts is concerned.
Muncy was deserving but will be there anyway.
Sorry Muncy isn’t a starter. But Dodger fans still love you. Yourself, Taylor, Turner and McKinistry didn’t get the hype, but you worked hard and belong in the show. Been a Dodger fan since around 1957 and can just say thanks!
CT and Muncey deserve spots, as does Buehler.
DodgerNation show up and vote so next year the whole starting 9 will be starting in the ASG in Dodgers Stadium. Now that will be a site to see!!! Just chill out this year, focus on the big picture @ the end, and all of guys will hear the DodgerNation in Dodger Stadium cheering for the Boys in Blue @ the next ASG !