Trending Now - A's Evaluate Muncy's Defensive Skills at Third Base

WHO:

Max Muncy, 23 years old, first-round pick by the Athletics in 2021

Mark Kotsay, manager of the Athletics

Zack Gelof, 26 years old, formerly touted young Athletics infielder

Gunnar Hoglund, 26 years old, right-handed pitcher for the Athletics

Jeff McNeil, acquired by the Athletics from the Mets

Martin Gallegos, writer for MLB.com

WHAT:

Max Muncy hit .325/.397/.504 in Triple-A in 2025

Muncy is currently hitting .419/.526/.839 with three home runs and seven walks in 38 plate appearances during Spring Training 2026

Zack Gelof went 2-for-4 with a double in his Cactus League debut on March 10th, 2026

Gelof played only 30 games in 2025, slashing .174/.230/.272

Hoglund pitched 12 games between Triple-A and the majors last season

Hoglund has not yet participated in a spring game due to knee and back injuries

Muncy has appeared exclusively at third base and designated hitter in all 14 of his games played this spring

Muncy hit a 440-foot solo home run off Jack Leiter on March 12th, 2026

Muncy graded out as a below-average defender in 32 games at third base last season

WHERE:

Surprise Stadium, Arizona (location of the game against the Rangers)

Thousand Oaks High School, California (Muncy's high school)

WHEN:

Spring Training 2026 (ongoing)

March 10th, 2026 (Gelof's Cactus League debut)

March 12th, 2026 (Muncy's home run)

WHY:

The Athletics are evaluating Muncy's defensive capabilities at third base to determine his role for the 2026 season

Muncy is transitioning from shortstop to third base, which requires adjustment to different angles and reaction times

HOW:

Muncy has been working hard with infield coach Bobby Crosby to improve his defensive skills

Muncy treated the Arizona Fall League as a lab to experiment with swing adjustments after missing two months due to injury

(UPDATED March 13, 2026 19:20 UTC)

In Spring Training 2026, Max Muncy is making a strong impression with a batting average of .419, including three home runs and seven walks in just 38 plate appearances, while also working on his defensive skills at third base. Zack Gelof recently debuted in the Cactus League, going 2-for-4 with a double, after a challenging 2025 season where he played only 30 games. Meanwhile, Gunnar Hoglund has yet to participate in spring games due to injuries, and the Athletics are closely evaluating Muncy's transition from shortstop to third base as they prepare for the upcoming season.