Max Muncy Gets Candid on Rumors of Dodgers Looking to Replace Him With $260M Cardinals Star Amid Early Struggles

The hot-corner drama in MLB is always an interesting one. Yes, the level can vary, but it can be found. Now, it’s time for the Dodgers, although it’s not as messy as the Red Sox. But why so much buzz? Well, they are the World Champions. Even a single move or trade talk is closely watched. And this time, Max Muncy is at the center of conversations that might alter the Dodgers’ infield chemistry among the whirling trade winds.

Who can replace him? The possible availability of a particular quality 3B from the St. Louis Cardinals has dominated offseason chatter. Renowned for his defensive skills and a huge deal, this guy has been connected to various clubs, including the Dodgers. Though the front office openly backs Muncy, it’s hard to deny the appeal of getting a player who has won multiple Gold Gloves. Any guesses?

We are talking about Nolan Arenado. However, Arenado is now in the middle of an eight-year, $260 million contract with three years and $74 million left till the 2027 season.

So, with all the rumors going around, Max Muncy recently opened up in an interview with The Athletic, staying grounded. “It’s a business. Especially when you’re on a team like this where they expect to win the World Series. You also understand if there’s any chance that they can improve they’re probably going to take that chance. But at the same time, that’s also where I’ve built my relationship with Doc and the front office and they understand where I’m at that, if there’s a chance to improve this team, they can definitely do it. I’m willing to accept any role in that. They know that.”  

But are the Dodgers letting him go?

Dodgers management, particularly General Manager Brandon Gomes, has talked about their faith in Muncy. “Muncy’s going to play third base for us. He’s such a big piece of what we do and has been a staple. So, yeah, Max is playing third base.”

There’s no doubt Muncy’s season started slow. As of early May 2025, in 35 games, he has a .177 batting average, a .304 on-base percentage, and a .274 slugging percentage, which results in a .578 OPS. In 113 at-bats, his numbers have been unusually low: Only one home run and seven RBIs.

Well, that’s a notable change from his prior seasons. If we just consider 2024, it was 15 HRs and 48 RBIs across 73 games. Leave everything else; his slugging percentage and OPS were .494 and .852, respectively. But this year, various factors have been ascribed to the early difficulties. Let’s not forget the astigmatism in his right eye, for which changes to his swing mechanics and adjustment to new eyewear were recommended.

Undoubtedly, Max Muncy is a star player, and it might take only a few games to bounce back again. Can he do that? And most importantly, will the Dodgers go for Arenado? The whispers are there from an MLB insider, though.

Dodgers’ hot corner debate

The Nolan Arenado-to-Dodgers rumor mill is turning again. And this time, one MLB insider chimes in.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today claims, “Meanwhile, they still are trying to trade All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado. The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to express interest while still hoping that third baseman Max Muncy escapes his early-season struggles.”

It’s a well-known story: Arenado, an eight-time All-Star with a smooth glove and a taste for massive hits, has been loosely connected to LA since his time with the Rockies. Once more, his name orbits the Dodgers like a satellite waiting to be drawn into gravitational alignment.

Arenado is still producing at 34, even if he may not be the constant MVP contender he once was. As of early May, he is playing big time. With three home runs and 14 RBIs, he slashes .256/.342/.395, suitable for a 0.9 WAR. Arenado’s consistent presence on both sides of the ball makes him a desirable choice for a team like the Dodgers.

Even if you consider the data to be not that stunning, he offers something LA could use right now: Steadiness. Arenado’s name begins to sound like a remedy when the hot corner has turned into a talking point for all the wrong reasons.

Of course, the Dodgers have choices—and loyalty. Though struggling with the worst start of his LA career, Max Muncy is still a clubhouse favorite with demonstrated upside. Despite his relatively unimpressive numbers, the front office has been patient for the potential turnaround. Though Arenado’s whispers might be becoming louder, that does not automatically indicate Muncy’s seat is on fire—at least, not as of now!

But Max Muncy realizes the pressure. That’s the reality of playing with the champion team. Still, nothing guarantees a blockbuster transaction, and the Cardinals’ willingness to trade Arenado. For Muncy, that means pushing beyond the noise, changing his game, and attempting to recover the form that formerly made him a Dodgers regular.

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