Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Max Muncy, scorching with a 1.026 OPS and .302 average over his last 20 games as of June 13, 2025, revealed he nearly quit baseball before his iconic tenure with L.A. began. In an exclusive Dodgers Nation interview with Doug McKain, Muncy’s candid confession about his career crossroads is trending on X with #MuncyComeback.
“Well, after Oakland, I was actually pretty determined to retire,” Muncy said. “I got an offer to play in [the Korean Baseball Organization] and I really didn’t want to take it, I was determined to retire. After you sit on the bench for three or four weeks, you realize that maybe you want to give it another shot and that’s how it’s been going ever since.”
Muncy debuted with the Oakland Athletics in 2015, hitting a meager .195 over 96 games across two seasons. Disheartened, he contemplated retirement before landing with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate in 2017. His 2018 call-up sparked a breakout, boasting a .263 average, .973 OPS, and 161 OPS+—61% above league average. “That was my turning point,” Muncy reflected.
Since then, Muncy has earned three National Championships, two All-Star nods, and two World Series rings, cementing his legacy at Dodger Stadium. After a sluggish .191 start in his first 40 games of 2025, his recent surge has fans buzzing. “He’s a cornerstone,” manager Dave Roberts said. Can Muncy power the Dodgers (41-28) to another title? Follow the drama on X and MLB.com!