The Los Angeles Dodgers made a $17 million bet on Michael Conforto during the offseason, but things have not worked out as they hoped.
Conforto is hitting just .187/.299/.327 with nine home runs, 25 RBI, 41 runs and 81 wRC+ with -0.5 WAR. Despite his struggles, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has continued to start Conforto in left field on a consistent basis.
Roberts did sit him in the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, and plans to find the best matchups for the 32-year-old moving forward in the hopes of finding production.
“I think Michael is going through it,” Roberts said. “He’s going to be in there on Friday, but I do think I’ve got to find some combinations to get some consistent production. That’s just kind of where we’re at this time in the season, I’ve got to do it.”
Conforto did have a strong July leading up to the trade deadline as he hit .273/.342/.485 with a 131 wRC+ in the month, making him one of the Dodgers’ most productive hitters. The Dodgers thought he turned a corner, but things have regressed back to begin August.
“Yeah, and I think that’s sort of the bet,” Roberts said. “Just seeing how he was in July, you approach the deadline and I thought the organization showed support in him as far as not trading for someone outside of the organization, and hopefully to build off of July.”
Roberts continues to give Conforto chances amid a belief the veteran is capable of producing closer to career norms. But getting back on track may be more of a mental approach that needs to be addressed, rather than a physical or talent issue.
“I like the aggressiveness, I just think he’s pressing,” Roberts said. “And I understand it. I think the preparation is there, the care, the will.
“There’s just some uncharacteristic chase and then some uncharacteristic passivity in the zone, so that’s sort of a bad combo. That probably lends itself to pressing, which is natural, because he wants to do well. He’s in there working hard.”
Conforto has been a far better player throughout his career. Through 1,117 games, Conforto has hit .245/.343/.445 with a 116 wRC+, which is production the Dodgers would love to have out of him.
The Dodgers now need him to turn things around soon with the division race in full swing. If they didn’t blow a nine-game lead in the National League West, playing Conforto until he figures things out wouldn’t really be an issue, but the stakes are higher now.
If Conforto is unable to start producing soon, it would benefit the Dodgers to make a change, and some would argue they should have already. But they’re going to bet on his ability, and whether that works out remains to be seen.
Dave Roberts believes in Michael Conforto’s ability
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.
“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.”
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