Back in 2012, the Oakland A’s selected Max Muncy in the fifth round of the MLB Draft. He quickly rocketed through the minors, reaching the major leagues in 2015. After two years as a utility player, and struggling in that role, Muncy was released and signed by the Dodgers, where he has gone on to become an All Star.
Nine years later, the A’s have another chance. They drafted high school shortstop Max Muncy with the 25th pick of the MLB Draft on Sunday night, a player who is no relation to their selection back in 2012.
With the 25th pick in the 2021 Draft, the Oakland Athletics select Max Muncy from Thousand Oaks HS!#MLBDraft | #RiseAndGrind pic.twitter.com/Gqx4UW8FA5
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 12, 2021
Oakland A’s get second chance with Max Muncy
if this Max Muncy can replicate the type of career as the original player they drafted, they could have one of the steals of the draft. The first Muncy has become a solid piece in the Dodgers’ lineup, hitting 35 homers in a season twice while showing an excellent eye at the plate and playing solid defense.
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The A’s latest draft pick may not be that type of player, but he has a chance to be a solid all around infielder. Muncy is considered a high energy type, someone who is constantly working to get better in every facet of his game. As he has learned the game from former major leaguer Jack Wilson, Muncy will be well prepared for the rigors of professional ball.
He is expected to develop into an average hitter with the potential for some above average pop in his bat. Muncy already hits the ball to all fields well, although his swing can get long and his approach at the plate still needs work. However, as an 18 year old, he has plenty of time to develop in the A’s system.
There are some questions as to whether or not he remains at short. While he has enough arm and a decent enough glove for the position, some scouts envision him sliding over to second or third as he continues to develop. Second base could be an area of need in the future, and may end up being Muncy’s future position, as it was with the A’s previous draft pick with the same name.
The Oakland A’s selected Max Muncy with the 25th pick of the 2021 MLB Draft. This is the second time they have drafted someone with that name.