Last year, one of the key players in the LA Dodgers' World Series victory, slugging infielder Max Muncy (35), has lost face. He was openly insulted by a fan. All Muncy could do was glare at the fan.

After finishing an away game against the Chicago Cubs on the 24th (Korean time), Muncy was subjected to an insult while leaving Wrigley Field. He was verbally assaulted by a fan who reportedly wore a Dodgers uniform. The male fan shouted at Muncy, "You really suck. Go away," hurling abusive language, and Muncy, who had just boarded the bus, glared at him for a long time.

This scene, shared on social media, became quite a topic in the local community. Dodgers-focused media 'Dodgers Way' reported on the 26th, "Any fan who has watched the Dodgers this season cannot be unaware of Muncy's struggles. After the Dodgers were swept by the Cubs, one fan vented his frustration at Muncy," adding, "In a big market, booing is part of daily life. Fans are passionate, and some express that passion violently. While criticism is usually aimed at opposing team players, those who fail to meet expectations on their own team are not exempt. Muncy felt that reality."

They continued, "No matter how passionate a fan may be, such behavior is unacceptable. While it's fine to boo a player at the game or express complaints online when a player is struggling, coming in front of the team bus to insult them in front of other fans and even family members is simply cowardly."

Furthermore, Dodgers Way noted, "Fortunately, this incident did not escalate into a physical confrontation, unlike a recent incident involving Tommy Pham (Pittsburgh Pirates) and a fan. Perhaps because some fans were between the two, Muncy did not approach the fan directly. That fan is likely grateful that Muncy didn’t retaliate."

Muncy, who has been with the Dodgers for eight years since 2018, is a core member of the team that won the World Series in 2020 and last year. Despite a significant setback last year after suffering from right forearm pain and missing three months, he recorded a .232 batting average in 73 games (55 hits in 237 at-bats), with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs, and contributed to the Dodgers' World Series victory by setting a record for the most consecutive plate appearances of 12 in a single postseason.

However, this year, he has shown extreme struggles, with a .171 batting average over 24 games (13 hits in 76 at-bats), no home runs, 4 RBIs, 10 walks, and 32 strikeouts, resulting in an on-base percentage of .273, slugging percentage of .237, and OPS of .510. Although he is a slugger with a career total of 195 home runs, he has no home runs in 88 at-bats this year. As the season progresses, he has become a headache for the Dodgers, with fan insults being an inappropriate reaction, but Muncy's struggles are equally serious.

According to 'The Athletic,' Muncy has self-diagnosed that the reason for his struggles is his failure to make solid contact on pitches, instead grounding weak balls that should have been hit hard. In response, he is adjusting his swing and back leg position and is making every effort to escape his slump.

However, on the 26th against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Muncy went hitless in 3 at-bats with 1 strikeout. In his last 4 games, he has a record of 0 hits in 12 at-bats, with 1 walk and 5 strikeouts, leading to an increasingly deepening slump. His hitting struggles are also affecting his defense at third base; on that day against Pittsburgh, he committed a throwing error in the 4th inning, marking his fourth error of the season, the most on the team. Amidst Muncy's struggles in both hitting and fielding, the Dodgers also face a recent three-game losing streak, standing at 16 wins and 10 losses.

In November 2023, Muncy extended his contract with the Dodgers for two years and $24 million. This year is the last season of his contract. The Dodgers hold a $10 million option for next year. If things continue this way, this year may end up being Muncy's last season with the Dodgers.

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