Dodgers News: Analysts Praise Max Muncy for Incredible Plate Discipline

His bat has been huge for LA this season.

Every MLB team has their star players that are the main attraction. But it’s the players surrounding them that make a team click.

Baseball isn’t exactly a one-man show like other sports, but rather a collection of teammates who are working toward a common goal. These role players are normally what defines a team, especially come playoff time.

For the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of those key role players down the stretch is infielder Max Muncy. Muncy has been with the team for quite some time now, and he has seen his share of highs and lows.

Despite his batting average this season, Muncy has had a very productive year. He is hitting just .208 this year, but he does have 35 home runs and 98 runs batted in. His .824 OPS is 16th-best in the National League. Muncy uses his bat in a very effective way in the middle of the LA lineup, and it puts fear into the minds of opposing pitchers.

Muncy is also one of the most patient players at the plate in the game, and it has earned him a reputation around the league. MLB analyst Matt Vasgersian of MLB Network broke down what makes Muncy so productive.

“This dude is one of the most selective hitters in the game. Among players with a .220 batting average or lower, and I get this gets a little hairy with weighted runs created plus, I’m not Brian Kenny but I there is some value here on this. His WRC+ is number at 121, is better than Swarbs, better than Jack Suwinski.”

Per Matt Vasgersian of MLB Network

His patience at the plate allows him to let the pitches come to him. While he does strike out a decent amount, he lets at-bats play out first. Vasgersian continued about the discipline Muncy has shown at the plate this season.

“He sees an average of 4.5 pitches against starters, that is way above league average, which is above 3.8”

Per Matt Vasgersian of MLB Network

Muncy has been a key member of this team all year long, and he will continue to be relied upon as the playoffs start.