The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced the signing of Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract. Conforto’s Dodgers contract reportedly includes a signing bonus, some of which is deferred.
Conforto is a left-handed hitting corner outfielder who batted .237/.309/.450 with 20 home runs, 56 runs scored, 66 RBI and a 112 wRC+ last season with the San Francisco Giants.
However, there is upside for more from him due to some of Conforto’s splits and the underlying data.
Conforto was far better on the road, hitting .253/.323/.530 with a 133 wRC+. Oracle Park in San Francisco plays more beneficial to pitchers, so getting him into the hitter-friendly Dodger Stadium could provide a boost.
The Dodgers are hoping for a turnaround similar to what Teoscar Hernández experienced last season after leaving the Seattle Mariners and their home ballpark that he struggled in.
In addition, Conforto had a .352 expected weighted on base average (wOBA), but his actual wOBA was just .327, a sizable gap that suggests he had a decent amount of bad luck in his outcomes.
As for his role, Conforto should see significant time in left field with the chance to become their everyday starter.
Conforto has been better against right-handed pitching for his career with a 128 wRC+, and he’s about league average versus left-handers with a 96 wRC+. Conforto had had reverse splits in 2024, which gives the Dodgers the ability to use him as an everyday player, rather than a strict platoon bat.
The 31-year-old has played in nine MLB seasons with a career .251/.348/.456 slash line to go along with 167 home runs, 514 runs scored, 520 RBI, a 119 wRC+ and 19.8 WAR.
Michael Conforto does not rule out Teoscar Hernández
Even with Conforto added, the Dodgers remain interested in re-signing Teoscar Hernández. If he returns with the team, Hernández should slot into his natural position of right field with Mookie Betts moving back to the infield.
Hernández and Conforto would end up being the Dodgers primary corner outfielders in 2025 with Edman and Pages combining to play center field.
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