The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Michael Conforto early in the offseason with the belief that he had more to his game and untapped offensive potential.
Conforto was coming off a solid season with the San Francisco Giants where he hit 237/.309/.450 with 20 home runs, 56 runs scored, 66 RBI and a 112 wRC+, but did most of his damage on the road.
The Dodgers believed they could make some adjustments to Conforto’s swing to keep him more consistent throughout the season. Conforto worked on those changes in Spring Training, but the results didn’t quickly follow.
That was until the regular season started and Conforto began the year as one of the Dodgers’ best hitters. But since that hot start, he has been among the worst at the plate in baseball.
Since April 1, Conforto’s 41 wRC+ ranks 157th of 164 qualified hitters and he’s batted .116/.262/.186 in that span.
On Monday against the Miami Marlins, he broke an 0-for-31 streak with a single and also took a great at-bat that resulted in a hard-hit ball. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes that’s something Conforto can build on and sees the left fielder close to getting back on track, via SportsNet LA:
“I think so. I think even the at-bats today, the swings, were as good as we’ve seen in quite some time. Even the ball to right field, I thought he put a good swing on it. I do think the hitting guys and Michael have unlocked something.”
Whether Conforto has figured something out or not, he looked his best on Monday as he has in quite some time. The at-bats were more competitive, and he did not look lost as he has in many of his previous games.
The Dodgers have remained patient with the 32-year-old as they continue to express belief in the former All-Star outfielder. Even if Conforto doesn’t unlock more to his game, it’s hard to envision him not becoming at least a productive hitter for the club.
His career numbers paint a much better picture as he’s hit .248/.346/.450 across 1,044 games with 169 home runs, 530 runs scored, 526 RBI and a 118 wRC+. The Dodgers would be happy to get similar production from Conforto as he’s had in previous seasons, and it would lengthen an already-deep lineup.
Overall this season, Conforto has hit .146/.285/.243 with two home runs, 16 runs scored, six RBI, one stolen bases and a 60 wRC+ across 32 games.
Dodgers’ long interest in Michael Conforto
As the Dodgers searched for offensive held during the 2024 MLB trade deadline, Conforto was one of the players they checked in on, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said during the offseason.
That shows their overall belief in the player as he’s someone they’ve had their eye on, rather than just making him a free agent signing.
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