2021 MLB Draft Profile: SS Max Muncy, Thousand Oaks HS (Calif.)

Next up in the MLB Draft Profile series is a familiar name — Max Muncy. Despite having the same name and same birthday, the Dodgers’ All-Star and draft prospect are not related.

Previous Profiles

• Sam Bachman (June 9)
• Chase Petty (June 11)
• Jaden Hill (June 15)
• Jud Fabian (June 16)
• Adrian Del Castillo (June 18)
• Ryan Cusick (June 21)
• Peyton Stovall (June 23)
• Gavin Williams (June 25)

Vitals
6’1, 180 pounds
Position: Shortstop
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
DOB: Aug. 25, 2002

Location
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Commitment: Arkansas

Rankings
The Athletic: NR
Baseball America: 52
CBS Sports: 25
ESPN: 46
FanGraphs: 38
MLB Pipeline: 38
Perfect Game: 45
Prospects Live: 51

Slot recommended bonus (No. 29): $2,424,600

Note: All information of draft prospects compiled from Internet sources, scouting reports and videos.

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Muncy is not nearly as rectangular as the one we’ve come to know and love, but this kid has some definite potential as a shortstop. He doesn’t have one standout tool, but he’s average or better in every category. And the Dodgers are legitimately linked to him, not because of the name.

Muncy uses his strong wrists and quick hands at the plate generate above-average bat speed. He has a line drive swing, but with the Dodgers’ player developmental system, there could be 20 homers in his future, if he makes it to the majors. He has an all-fields approach, but is adept at going the other way with a little authority. If he adds a little bulk without sacrificing athleticism, he could more easily reach his offensive ceiling. While a mature hitter for his age, he can still get exposed by quality spin and he swings for the fences a bit too much at times. Still, the bat plays up a bit because he’s a true shortstop.

In the field, displays good range and an above-average arm at shortstop. He’s a twitchy athlete, so he has a good first step and reactions. He has good enough hands to handle the position. He’s an average-to-above-average runner who should be decent on the base paths, but not necessarily in the stolen base department.

Video

Thousand Oaks SS Maxwell Muncy has really started pushing his name into first round conversations. He's in play in the 20-50 range. One of the more balanced profiles in the prep class, Muncy does everything pretty well. Athletic, 6-foot-2-inch frame. #MLBDraft
(📽️ @SoCalGiants) pic.twitter.com/u1RXsqEkrN

— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) July 7, 2021

Max Muncy, SS, Thousand Oaks High School Class of 2021, Grand Slam vs Newbury Park https://t.co/NwqT9ff5zQ via @YouTube

— Steve Fiorindo (@SoCalSteve9) May 18, 2021

2021 SS Max Muncy – Thousand Oaks High School – Offensive highlights with Thousand Oaks Strong at the Southwest Wood Bat Fall Showcase in Arizona, including two singles, two doubles, a triple, two stolen bases, and two RBIs. @Maxmuncy_8 pic.twitter.com/bSDPDCskVg

— Michael Miller (@TheMillerTime5) November 4, 2020

Maxwell Muncy….not writing him off but seeing him under a different light. The athleticism & movements in the swing over the summer had me prizing him (was good starting point of development/ felt he’d move fast) Sizing him up now, I’m stretching the development. #MLBDraft21 pic.twitter.com/9VacvjuzLG

— MLB Draft Room (@MLBDraftRoom) March 25, 2021

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Muncy profiles as a solid every day player at the MLB level. With some improvement via development, he could find himself an above-average, first-division shortstop with a strong offensive profile. The Dodgers might be able to save some money against the pool if they take Muncy at 29, seeing as he’s slated to go somewhere in the 20-50 range. He may not be the best of the impressive group of California prep shortstops, but he might have the highest floor.