Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy was in awe of the star power on both teams ahead of the 2024 World Series.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers won their National League Championship Series over the New York Mets in six games on Sunday, setting up a clash with Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic.
“I just think you’re talking about two of the classic franchises, and you’re talking about two teams that have the sport’s biggest stars,” Muncy said, according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic. “And I mean the biggest stars. We’re talking about, on our team, you’ve got Shohei, Freddie, Mookie. On their team, you’ve got Aaron Judge, Giancarlo and Soto.”
While the 34-year-old is attempting to win his second title with the Dodgers, he couldn’t help but appreciate the matchup for baseball fans.
“You’re talking about the actual biggest stars in the game,” said Muncy, per Stark. “And now they’re going to be playing on the biggest stage. As a fan, how special is this, man? Unbelievable.”
Judge and Ohtani wrapped up incredible regular seasons, leading their teams to the No. 1 record in the American League and National League, respectively. They’re also top candidates to receive MVP awards in each league.
Judge finished with 58 home runs, while Ohtani racked up 54 homers. No other player in the majors recorded more than 44. The Yankees’ slugger also finished with 144 RBIs and 133 walks, ending the regular season with a .322/.458/.701 slash line.
As for Ohtani, he became the first player in MLB history to steal 50 bases in addition to totaling 50 home runs. He hit .310 to go along with a 1.036 OPS, driving in 130 runs of his own.
Both the Yankees and Dodgers also feature former MVPs such as Giancarlo Stanton, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.
Muncy has been a key contributor for Los Angeles in the postseason, hitting .333 with two home runs and four RBIs in six NLCS contests.
MLB @MLB
Max Muncy has now reached base in 12 straight plate appearances 😤
He’s tied with Reggie Jackson for the most consecutive #Postseason plate appearances reaching safely. pic.twitter.com/6zdDXRWuSz
The star-studded Yankees and Dodgers will meet in the World Series for the 12th time, with Game 1 on Friday.
Read the full article here