Cody Snavely
Since the 2015 season, the Dodgers have only known one name as their third basemen, and that man was a fan favorite and heart of the clubhouse Justin Turner. Turner, who the Dodgers declined his 16 million dollar club option, was the first move in a series of moves that saw major roster retooling. So now, with Turner gone, who takes over third?
Max Muncy (2022: .196/.329/.713, 21 HR)
Max Muncy is coming off an inconsistent and injury-riddled 2022 season while also recovering from a torn UCL, which he suffered in the final game of the 2021 season against the Brewers. The MLB lockout that ensued after the 2021 World Series made it difficult for Muncy and the Dodgers to collaborate on a rehab plan during the offseason. The recovery certainly had an effect on his play, and even Muncy himself stated that this was the case.
Muncy also had a brief hiatus in late May as his elbow was not 100% healed from the surgery, which made him feel very uncomfortable at the plate and in the field. However, Muncy still excelled at getting on base, as Muncy was only second to Juan Soto in walks with 90. Muncy has always had a great eye and feel for the zone grinding out long at-bats. Although, in the second half of the season, Muncy tweaked his batting stance, which saw him take a step back while the pitch was being thrown, which allowed him to get his swing timing down. He is no longer using this method in 2023 so far, so it must have to do with his elbow injury.
While Muncy is not the defensive guru like Nolan Arenado, he can hold down the hot corner above league average, similar to Justin Turner’s production in the past two years as age has caught up to him. However, with the MLB banning the infield shift, Muncy’s best position will undoubtedly be third as teams will realize you can no longer plug and play guys as they did with Muncy since 2018, where he played 1st, 3rd, and 2nd.
The Dodgers will be hoping for a big bounce-back year for Muncy, who should fully be recovered from his elbow injury in 2021. However, the uncertainty of his health and how he will bounce back will negatively affect the team’s score.
Miguel Vargas (2022 [AAA]: .304/.404./.511 17 HR)
As mentioned yesterday, Miguel Vargas is slotted to play 2nd base this upcoming season; however, primarily, Vargas played a majority of his minor league career at the hot corner, but as we have seen this spring, he has transitioned quite nicely to 2nd making a few flashy plays along the way.
Vargas is poised to finally get a chance to play an everyday role for the team in 2023, and the Dodgers are hoping for better or similar production that he has had in the minors, which landed him as the 37th-best prospect in the league on MLB.com.
If Muncy regresses or gets injured, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Vargas as the likely option to replace him. The only downside to Vargas is his small sample size in the MLB last season and his fractured finger in the first week of Spring Training. However, Vargas has finally been cleared to swing and has looked fine in the field.
Other options
A few internal options on the roster regarding third base if anything happens to Muncy and Vargas. Still, the most logical options would be Chris Taylor or utility man Luke Williams who has made quite the name for himself this spring after being claimed by the Marlins in the Winter. While Roajs could potentially plug his way over there, with the injury to Gavin Lux, that seems very unlikely.
The 2023 Dodgers infield has a lot of question marks, and when it comes to third base, it just comes down if Muncy will return to his 2021 self which saw him in the MVP conversation. If not, that will put a damper on any plans the Dodgers have on winning the NL West again with the loaded Padres waiting in the corner.
DODGERSBEAT RATING: C-
