Max Muncy is on the verge of surpassing Eric Karros' Los Angeles-era records for career home runs and home runs hit at Dodger Stadium. Muncy needs 39 more home runs to tie Karros' franchise record of 270 career long balls in the Dodgers' Los Angeles history, and he is currently one shy of Karros' 130 home runs at Dodger Stadium.
Muncy, who has hit 17 home runs this season, expressed that the marks are "reachable." He acknowledged that Karros, a former Dodgers first baseman and current broadcaster, has "joked around" with him about the pursuit.
Karros, speaking to The California Post, joked that if Muncy breaks his records, they might not stand for long. "He’s gonna have it for, what, two years?" Karros quipped, suggesting that Shohei Ohtani may eventually top the Dodgers' home run categories. "Then you just say you’re the domestic home run leader."
Muncy, in his 11th year with the Dodgers, reflected on the significance of chasing such historical marks. "It’s crazy to me to think about," he said. "I know I’ve been here for a long time now. But you start thinking about things with this franchise, especially just how historical it is, the names that have come out of here, it’s kind of surreal to me. I’ve always viewed myself as a good player. But I don’t know if that’s a level I ever thought I could have achieved."
Karros, who played for the Dodgers for 12 seasons, expressed admiration for Muncy, drawing parallels between their roles on star-laden teams. "The thing with Muncy, I’ve been rooting for him," Karros said. "Not to break a homer [record]. I don’t give a s–t, that’s whatever. But rooting for him because — he’s a much better player than I was — but he’s kind of in the same situation. As far as, it’s Mookie [Betts], it’s Freddie [Freeman], it’s Shohei. And when I played, it was [Mike] Piazza or [Gary] Sheffield or whatever. And this dude goes out and plays and is super important, but doesn’t get the love that he deserves."
Despite not commanding the same spotlight as his more celebrated teammates, Muncy has been a crucial part of the Dodgers' recent success. He has been involved in all three of the team's World Series titles and has emerged as a veteran leader. Manager Dave Roberts noted Muncy's maturity and the team's consistent belief in him.
Muncy has also experienced a resurgence this season, posting a career-best .265 batting average and a .511 slugging percentage. He credits improved health, including a recent "hydrodissection" procedure on his side, for his enhanced performance. "I just finally feel back to being myself, which is more of a complete hitter," Muncy said.
Karros stated that he will be rooting for Muncy to break his records. "It’d be great if he breaks it," Karros said. "I’m a big Muncy fan." He added with a smile, "And then, he’ll hold it until Shohei wants it."