Max Muncy showed potential, flaws during 2022 season

Stockton Ports' Max Muncy signs autographs before the Ports' home opener against the Modesto Nuts at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton on Tuesday, April 12. 2022.2022 Portsopener 021a
Stockton Ports' Max Muncy signs autographs before the Ports' home opener against the Modesto Nuts at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton on Tuesday, April 12. 2022.2022 Portsopener 021a

The 2022 campaign was exactly what the scouting report said it would be for Oakland A’s prospect Max Muncy.

There were plenty of bright spots but also several negatives. That was clear as he posted a .229/.336/.422 batting line in his 555 plate appearances between the Stockton Ports and Lansing Lugnuts. He hit 19 homers and 28 doubles while stealing 19 bases and drawing 69 walks, but also struck out 169 times.

Max Muncy lived up to his scouting reports in his first full season

It was a solid all around season, something to be expected from Muncy. He was considered to be someone that could fill up a stat sheet, possessing solid power and speed. There had been questions as to whether or not he would stick at short or need to move to either second or third, but he does have the tools and athleticism needed to remain there.

At the same time, Muncy was also considered a “power over hit” prospect. There was no question that he could do damage when he made contact; the question was if he would make enough contact going forward to tap into his potential. That question was underscored by his swing and miss tendencies during his first full minor league season.

In theory, this is something that could be fixed. Muncy has displayed a willingness to draw walks and seemingly has a solid knowledge of the zone. It is a matter of adjusting his swing to cut down on those swings and misses while still driving the ball.

The tools are there. Muncy has the potential to be a star in the middle of the infield, someone who has been compared to Alex Bregman and Dansby Swanson. However, in order to reach that potential, he will need to make adjustments and make more consistent contact.

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Max Muncy was exactly what the scouting reports said he was for the Oakland A’s. Now it is time to make adjustments and change those reports.