The Los Angeles Dodgers’ signing of Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract has not panned out to this point, but the veteran outfielder continues to show signs of a potential turnaround.
Conforto is hitting .318/.348/.500 with a double, home run and two RBI in his last eight games (six starts) since July 11.
With external pressure to acquire another left fielder at the MLB trade deadline, the Dodgers would like to see if Conforto can keep swinging the bat well over the next week or so before making a decision.
“Yeah, Michael is interesting, because when he does hit the ball hard, it seems like it’s right at somebody,” manager Dave Roberts said. “So I’ve shown my confidence in him, playing him, where I hit him in the order. So I don’t know.
“I’m just going to keep running him out there and expect him to be productive, and I hope that’s where his head is at. But for me, it’s kind of the guys that we have and show confidence. And I believe in Michael. I’ve had many times to sit him, but I play him, and I think that it’s still in there.”
Roberts has largely stuck with Conforto not only because of a belief he will figure things out, but a solid track record coming into the 2025 season.
The one-time All-Star has made an effort to improve his discipline and bat path, among other parts of his offensive game, and recently said he is feeling more comfortable at the plate.
One of the biggest issues for Conforto has been catching up to fastballs, but he consistently hits the ball hard when contact is made, and his plate discipline remains solid as well.
Will Dodgers find replacement for Michael Conforto?
While Roberts’ comments suggest the Dodgers will at least look into the possibility of bringing in another outfielder at the trade deadline, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently said that such an addition was unlikely.
However, the Dodgers always have an opportunistic mindset and won’t hesitate to make a move if they feel it is in the team’s best interest.
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