Max Muncy (35), who has made a remarkable turnaround with the Los Angeles Dodgers, said he considered retirement during last season while contemplating a move to Korea. He endured a difficult time with repeated injuries but is using this moment as a chance to reflect on the value of playing as a professional.

Muncy is one of the key players alongside stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, leading the Dodgers' lineup. After not achieving notable results with the Oakland Athletics from 2015 to 2016 and being released before the 2017 season, he contemplated whether to go to Korea or Japan or an independent league, but his life changed after signing a minor league contract with the Dodgers.

Muncy, who made his debut in Major League Baseball in 2018, showcased his power potential by hitting 35 home runs for two consecutive years. He demonstrated his hitting ability in positions needed by the team, rotating between first, second, and third base. Muncy signed extensions with the Dodgers three times and recorded a batting average of .230 (2,765 at-bats, 637 hits), 190 home runs, and 520 RBIs in 824 games over seven seasons until last year, along with two World Series championships in 2020 and last year.

However, last year was a challenging period where he even secretly contemplated retirement. The Los Angeles Times reported on the 2nd that Muncy thought about retirement due to repeated injuries.

Muncy was placed on the injured list in mid-May due to pain in his right forearm. His condition was worse than expected, prompting a move to the 60-day injured list for a long-term absence. To make matters worse, he experienced thoracic pain during the rehabilitation process. It took him a lengthy three months to return by mid-August. Although he announced his presence back by hitting home runs in two consecutive games, that three months were incredibly difficult for Muncy.

Every time he attempted to train, he experienced pain, and he remained in a state where he could do nothing for an extended period. Muncy recalled, "It has been three months since I couldn't play, and nothing changed. I even thought, 'Is my body telling me I can no longer play baseball?' It was a tough time."

By July, while feeling powerless in a situation where he could do nothing, he did not give up. His thoracic condition improved, allowing him to resume training from August, and he accelerated his return by receiving pain relief injections for his forearm. He worried about being out for the season, but after returning from injury, he played 33 games with a batting average of .245 (98 at-bats, 24 hits), hitting 6 home runs and recording 20 RBIs, with an OPS of .925. He continued to experience side pain, but he shared the moment of winning the World Series.

Now completely healed, Muncy entered spring training and said, "The injury has given me a new perspective. Just being on the field and playing baseball is a blessing. There were moments last year when I couldn't be sure if I could come back, but I am truly grateful to be able to play baseball like this now."

Muncy will also serve as the Dodgers' starting third baseman this year. When rumors of a trade for star third baseman Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals) circulated last winter, he remarked, "As long as I can stay with the Dodgers, I am open to any role," a sentiment he expressed after truly appreciating the value of baseball.

He said, "Rumors are not something I can control. It's an honor and a blessing to wear the Dodgers' blue uniform and stand on the field every day. I will give my best until I hear that I can no longer do that. That's all I can control." Muncy, whose contract is guaranteed through this year, has a team option for a $10 million contract next year that the Dodgers hold.

Having regained his health, Muncy is refining his swing mechanics during this spring training and also collaborating with shortstop Mookie Betts in third base defense. In the exhibition games, Muncy has smoothly increased his pace with a batting average of .300 (10 at-bats, 3 hits), 1 home run, 4 RBIs, 4 walks, and 6 strikeouts, with an OPS of 1.267, stating, "I need to enjoy every moment like this without missing any."

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