The Los Angeles Dodgers made an under-the-radar addition for their outfield mix by signing Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract.
The 31-year-old has spent the last two years with the San Francisco Giants and is coming off a solid season in which he hit .237/.309/.450 with 27 doubles, 20 home runs and 66 RBI across 130 games.
Conforto is entering his 10th big league season after originally being selected by the New York Mets with the No. 10 pick in the 2013 MLB Draft.
Conforto said the Dodgers have shown interest in him a few times in the past and he couldn’t pass on the opportunity to sign with them this time around, via SportsNet LA:
“I knew the Dodgers had interest the past couple runs through free agency. But this one happened quick. Scott (Boras) called me and he said, ‘The Dodgers want to move fast. They’re looking for a one-year deal.’
“Kind of a chance for me to reset myself and have a little change of scenery. I mean, I couldn’t say no to playing in the lineup with a guy like Shohei, guy like Mookie. I played against Freddie for so many years in the same division.
“Really have a lot of respect for those guys. Really, up and down the lineup, it’s going to be a pleasure to be a part of it.”
Conforto gives the Dodgers a left-handed hitter that can play either of the corner outfield spots. He has been a reliable bat in his career and put up above league-average numbers this year despite playing home games at the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
Conforto also fared better against southpaws compared to right-handers, which was a shift from his career norms. Even if that reverses with the Dodgers, the 2017 All-Star has shown that he can be a quality everyday player.
In parts of nine big league seasons, Conforto has hit .251/.348/.456 with 167 home runs, 514 runs scored, 520 RBI, a 119 wRC+ and 19.8 WAR.
Dodgers still in mix for Teoscar Hernández after signing Michael Conforto
With Mookie Betts moving to shortstop next season, the Dodgers would like to add another outfielder and remain in the mix to re-sign Teoscar Hernández.
The two sides have been at a stalemate in negotiations partly due to Hernández not wanting any salary deferred in his next contract.
However, the expectation is that the two-time All-Star will return to the Dodgers. He is reportedly seeking a three-year contract with an annual salary in the $22-24 million range.
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