Editorials

Why the Dodgers Max Muncy Should Be in the MVP Conversation

Currently, it’s a two man race, for the NL MVP between Cody Bellinger and Milwaukee Brewer’s outfielder, Christian Yelich. Atlanta Braves’ Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Washington Nationals Anthony Rendon have been mentioned as well, but one name has not been mentioned, at all, during these MVP discussions: Max Muncy.

The Dodgers have a record of 85-44, and they have the best record in the Major League. They have 12 walk-off wins, thus far. Max Muncy has contributed to those walk-offs twice, but it seems he is being under-appreciated by baseball fans and analysts.



 

Since May 1st, here are Muncy’s numbers, compared to the MVP leader’s, Cody Bellinger:

At-bats Hits Runs HR RBI BA OPS
Max Muncy 333 87 75 28 70 0.264 0.948
Cody Bellinger 340 95 69 28 63 0.28 0.978

Overall, Muncy’s hit 33 HR and 87 RBI after a slow start adjusting to playing second base earlier in the season.

I’m not saying he should be the MVP, but he should at least be in the MVP conversation. Muncy has delivered big hits for the Dodgers on numerous occasions, and this season, he’s proven to be the guy that the team can count on, whether he faces right-handed pitchers or left-handed pitchers.

Bellinger has proven that he can step up as well in the later innings against pitchers, but the difference is, Bellinger is getting noticed for that.

To put this into perspective, so far, this season, Muncy is ranked

  • 9th in Runs
  • 7th in Home Runs
  • 11th in RBIs
  • 15th in OPS.

Mos importantly, he has helped his team win games on the offensive and defensive end of the field with growth of his defensive skills, which were on full display in the 2019 All-Star game.

Muncy should be recognized not only for his consistent play, but also for his leadership, getting big hits, or walks, that help spark this amazing Dodgers offense.

Let the MVP voters talk, but we’re here to make sure that Max Muncy is part of that conversation.

Levon Satamian

My name is Levon Satamian. I am currently attending Cal State Northridge, and majoring in Broadcast Journalism.

3 Comments

  1. If Max Muncy continues to hit the way he has the past seven games, he will be the MVP. That said, I would love to see a rematch of Dodgers vs Astros in this year’s World Series, just want to see how loud mouth like Justin Verlander fair against this newer, much more powerful Dodgers hitting lineup. For one, that 2017 Astros team never faced Max Muncy. Next, Bellinger and Seager are much improved hitters, plus the addition of Will Smith (good luck with him Astros pitchers), Matt Beaty, Pollock, post season specialist David Freese, not to mention JT, CT3, Kike and Pederson (maybe even Verdugo if he returns), this 2019 Dodgers team will give the Astros all they can handle.

    1. In addition, the Dodgers and Astros never faced each other in 2019. It would have been fun to sic Buehler & Ryu on the Astros in 2019.

      But, thanks for giving praise where praise is due. I have been among the first, and most consistent voices at saying how under-appreciated Mad Max Muncy is…for 2 years now. In 2019, all the nay sayers have been pretty much silenced by his perforrmance, esp. on Defense.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button