Max Muncy talks power, home runs

For the Stockton Ports, Oakland Athletics prospect Max Muncy has been nothing short of a power hitter. Through 79 games, he’s got a line of .304/.418/.545 with an OPS of .963. He’s also leading the team with 20 home runs and has an ISO of .241.

Max Muncy prepares in the dugout for a game against the San Jose Giants. (Jen Mac Ramos)

Ranked #16 in Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook, Muncy was noted for his ability to hit — and with power.

Muncy spoke about his consistency at the plate and being one of the Ports’ top hitters prior to Stockton’s game against the San Jose Giants on Jun. 22.

“It’s been really nice to be consistent this year,” Muncy said. “That’s been one of my problems in the past.”

For the rest of the season, Muncy hopes to keep the consistency going to transpose those numbers to the second-half of the season.

“Hopefully, I can keep it going,” Muncy said.

His expectations for the second-half include helping the Ports have a chance at the second-half division title and a shot at the playoffs.

“I’m feeling pretty good about the team,” Muncy said. “I think everyone feels that way. We kinda fell just a little bit short at the end of the half, but we were playing really good baseball.”

The main goal he has for the rest of the season is to stay consistent.

“Just square up a lot of balls,” Muncy said. “Not let anything change [and] just keep doing whatever I’m doing.”

As for his ability to hit for power, Muncy credits a couple of changes he made over the offseason to help him exceed his expectations.

“Just work on hitting more backspin with the baseball,” Muncy said of his changes. “Not topspin as many balls and it’s allowing it to carry further. I feel that’s the big part.”

He is aware of the California League’s reputation and how it might affect his hitting, however.

“It might do a little bit with the league — it’s a hitter’s league,” Muncy said.

That didn’t stop him from being named to the California League All-Star game or participating in the Home Run Derby.

“I didn’t do that great,” Muncy said of hitting only one in the contest. “But it was a great experience and I really enjoyed it.”

Despite San Jose’s Municipal Stadium being a tough park for lefty hitters, Muncy didn’t care about winning the derby, only having a good time.

“The whole experience was fun,” Muncy said. “There’s a lot of great guys. I had fun meeting all of them. It was a great time. I really enjoyed it. Something I’m definitely going to remember for a while.”