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Max Muncy getting in shape for professional career

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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It was no secret that Max Muncy had some work to do this offseason. At 6’1″ and 177 pounds, he still needed to grow into his body, putting on more weight and strength to be ready for the rigors of a professional season.

That was abundantly clear during his time in the Arizona Complex League last year. Muncy had just four hits, all singles, in his 34 plate appearances, drawing three walks and striking out 12 times. He was overmatched and looked like what he was – a high school kid trying to hit against professionals.

Max Muncy ready for professional career to begin

Muncy clearly knew what he needed to do this offseason. When he reported to spring training, he was a completely different person, having gained 15 pounds of muscle, saying that his focus during the offseason was on getting bigger.

The early returns, such as they are, are promising. The ball reportedly sounds different coming off of his bat, with a crack that the A’s had not heard previously. His power potential, which had intrigued the A’s during his workouts prior to the draft, is more apparent. That was the case with his opposite field homers in batting practice and the homer he hit to right center during a scrimmage game on Monday.

Obviously, it is going to take more than batting practice or a scrimmage game to see if those changes will make an impact upon Muncy. He will need to show that the added muscle will make a difference when the games count, especially as he is likely to head to full season ball in Low-A to start the season. Hopefully, that change in body and added weight make a difference.

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Max Muncy has added 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason. Hopefully, it will make a difference as he begins his professional career in earnest.