LOS ANGELES — For a power hitter like Max Muncy, precision is everything. After battling through one of the most frustrating slumps of his career, the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger found an unlikely spark — not from a swing change or hitting coach, but from something as simple as a new pair of prescription glasses.
The results? Eye-popping.
Diagnosed with astigmatism in his right eye, Muncy began wearing glasses during games starting in early May. His motivation was simple: find something, anything, to regain his rhythm at the plate after a 28-game homerless drought — the longest of his career.
“If there’s anything that can help out a little bit, I’ll try it,” Muncy said of the change.
And the turnaround was almost immediate. After putting on the glasses, Muncy launched a home run in his first game wearing them. Over the next several weeks, he tore through opposing pitching, hitting .400+ with nine home runs and 31 RBIs, including a recent grand slam against the Rockies that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most feared lefty bats in the National League.
“I’m not ready to fully buy into that one just yet,” Muncy added, “but it’s hard to deny I’ve been playing better since I put the glasses on.”
The shift in production has been dramatic — and not just for Muncy. Dodgers fans recall a similar transformation from Kiké Hernández, who saw a noticeable improvement after wearing glasses in 2024. That success might’ve nudged Muncy to give it a try.
While improved eyesight helped Muncy see the ball more clearly, the mental reset may be just as important. Baseball is as much about confidence and timing as mechanics, and the glasses served as both a physical aid and symbolic reset button.
On social media, fans have dubbed this new version of Muncy “Maximum Muncy” — a play on his name and power surge. “Since he got his eyes fixed, he’s looked like a completely different player,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “He’s seeing beach balls up there.”
Muncy’s resurgence raises a broader question: should more MLB teams include routine vision assessments in their in-season evaluations? Between Hernández and Muncy, the Dodgers might be setting a new standard in how even small tweaks can unlock massive performance jumps.
And in a season where Los Angeles is gunning for another deep postseason run, every edge counts.
In a game of inches, sometimes all it takes is a clearer view.