If you had to choose the most exciting position for the Athletics in this year’s spring training, third base would definitely be at the top of the list. The majority of the roster has been locked down, but the hot spot remains open — and that uncertainty is what draws all eyes to the early season games.
Theoretically, it’s a three-way race: Darell Hernaiz, Max Muncy, and Brett Harris. But in reality, internally, the two names considered the strongest contenders for Opening Day are Hernaiz and Muncy. The question isn’t who’s better on paper — but who can prove something new in spring training.
Max Muncy: Opportunity from Change
Max Muncy had a narrow escape to secure a starting spot last year. Zack Gelof’s injury and a good spring training helped him claim the second base position. But when the official season began, the limitations of Muncy’s playing style quickly became apparent.
At 23, he was hitting .214 with an OBP of .259 and a wRC+ of only 72. Nine home runs in 63 games showed power, but the price was too high: a strikeout rate of 30.9%, while his walk rate was only 4.5%. With this level of power, this kind of record is unlikely to last long in MLB.
This spring training, Muncy doesn’t need to hit a lot of home runs. What A’s wants to see is the quality of each plate appearance. Is he shortening his swing? Is he choosing better pitches? And most importantly: is his strikeout rate decreasing when facing real Major League pitching at the end of camp?
If Muncy continues to “swing and pray,” he will eliminate himself from the race. But if his strikeout starts to decrease intentionally, that would be the biggest sign that he has evolved.
Darell Hernaiz: He has the foundation, now he needs a breakthrough.
Hernaiz, however, is the opposite story. He has shown a skill any coach would love: excellent bat-to-ball. In 51 games, he only struck out 12.2% — an incredibly impressive number for a rookie. Although his batting average is only .231 and OBP .292, his xBA is .255, showing he’s not lacking in contact quality.
The projections for 2026 also favor Hernaiz: .264 AVG, .327 OBP, 94 wRC+. He’s considered a more complete, less risky player.
But there’s one issue that makes A’s hesitant: a lack of lethality. Of his 40 hits last season, 32 were singles. Only five doubles, one triple, and two home runs. MLB pitchers won’t be afraid of a third baseman they know will either go out or just hit a grounder through the infield.
Spring training is when Hernaiz needs to show he can drive the ball. He doesn’t need to become a slugger, but adding double the gap, adding a powerful outfield shot—that’s the line between a “placeholder” and a “placeholder.”
Spring training won’t lie.
This race isn’t about the final March stat line. It’s about the small signs:
– Does Muncy have better strike zone control?
– Does Hernaiz make pitchers wary when the ball leaves the bat?
One needs to prove he’s fixed a critical weakness. The other needs to show he’s more than just a safe player.
And that’s why third base will be the most exciting part of the spring A’s.
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