Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy has become a focal point of discussion this season, not just for his on-field performance but also for his new look—prescription glasses worn during games following a diagnosis of astigmatism. This change has coincided with a notable uptick in his batting statistics, sparking conversations among fans and analysts alike about the potential impact of his eyewear on his game.
On June 9, 2025, Muncy opened up about several topics, including the heated rivalry between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres, the playful trolling of Clayton Kershaw by the St. Louis Cardinals, an obstruction call involving the Mets, and, importantly, the reasons behind his decision to start wearing glasses. His candid insights shed light on both the competitive spirit of Major League Baseball and the personal adjustments that athletes sometimes need to make to maintain peak performance.
The rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres remains one of the most intense in the National League West. Muncy emphasized the true nature of this competition, highlighting how both teams push each other to excel. This rivalry has been a key storyline of the season, fueling high-stakes games that draw passionate fan engagement.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals have taken a lighter approach, engaging in some good-natured trolling of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. Muncy recounted these moments with a sense of humor, illustrating the camaraderie and competitive banter that often characterize baseball’s clubhouse dynamics.
Turning to his own game, Muncy addressed a controversial obstruction call against the Mets, reflecting on the nuances of baseball rules and their impact on game outcomes. Such moments underscore the fine margins that can influence a team’s fortunes in a tightly contested season.
However, it is Muncy’s new eyewear that has captured the most attention. Diagnosed with astigmatism, Muncy began wearing prescription glasses during games, a move that fans believe has contributed to his improved performance at the plate. Before adopting the glasses, Muncy struggled, hitting just .180 with no home runs, four RBIs, and a .531 OPS. Since making the switch, his numbers have soared: in 29 games wearing glasses, he is batting .277, with nine homers, 31 RBIs, and an impressive 1.015 OPS.
This turnaround mirrors a similar trajectory experienced by Kiké Hernández, a fellow Dodgers player who was diagnosed with astigmatism in 2024. Hernández's performance dramatically improved after he started wearing glasses, finishing the 2024 regular season with a .274 batting average, .307 on-base percentage, .458 slugging percentage, and a .766 OPS, up from a .191 average in the first half of the year.
Despite the clear statistical improvement, Muncy remains cautiously optimistic about attributing his success solely to his glasses. In a conversation with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, he remarked, "Everyone wants to relate what I’ve been doing recently to wearing the glasses and I’m not ready to fully buy into that one just yet. But it is hard to deny I’ve been playing better since I put the glasses on." This nuanced perspective highlights the complexity of athletic performance, where multiple factors often intertwine.
Muncy also shared the challenges he faced with his vision over the years. He explained, "For me, it was just one of those things where just over the last several years I had always known I was left eye dominant which is tricky as a left-hander hitter being your back eye. Felt like it was becoming more and more dominant over the last several years because I used to wear sunglasses during day games when I hit and the last two, three years I wasn’t able to do it because I was seeing too much of the nose piece when I was in the batters box. That was kind of the first sign to me that was like my left eye is really starting to take over." This insight reveals the subtle ways in which even minor sensory changes can affect an athlete’s approach and comfort during competition.
Adjusting to the glasses took some time, but now Muncy embraces them, noting, "It took a while to get used to, now that I’ve fully adjusted to it, I don’t mind wearing them. It’s hard to deny the results." His openness about this transition offers fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts players make to maintain their edge.
Importantly, the Dodgers organization has stood firmly behind Muncy throughout this period. Despite some fans beginning to lose faith during his early struggles, the team’s patience has been rewarded as Muncy’s performance trends upward. This support underscores the value of stability and confidence from management in nurturing player development.
As the season progresses, Muncy’s evolving story intertwines with broader narratives in baseball—from fierce divisional rivalries to the personal battles players face with health and form. His experiences reflect the resilience and adaptability required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
While it remains uncertain whether the glasses are the definitive factor in Muncy’s resurgence, the correlation is compelling. His improved statistics, combined with his thoughtful reflections, paint a picture of a player who is continually refining his craft and embracing new tools to enhance his game.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will rely on Muncy’s contributions as they navigate a challenging schedule, including critical matchups against rivals like the Padres and the Mets. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to new challenges will be crucial as the team pursues postseason ambitions.
Max Muncy’s journey this season is a fascinating blend of athletic rivalry, personal adaptation, and competitive spirit. Whether it’s facing down the Padres, enduring the Cardinals’ playful jabs, or fine-tuning his vision at the plate, Muncy exemplifies the dynamic nature of professional baseball in 2025.
