Among their offseason activity, the Los Angeles Dodgers quickly signed Michael Conforto under the expectation he’ll take on an everyday role in the outfield.
Receiving a one-year, $17 million contract, Conforto filled a need for the Dodgers as a left-handed bat. He underperformed in 2024 in his final year with the San Francisco Giants, leading to some questions about underlying factors that may have hindered his offense.
Conforto’s contract with the Dodgers exceeded some projections, but the Dodgers front office and hitting staff likely were motivated by areas where he can turn things around.
“Just talking to the hitting coaches, they saw what I would say in my words, were flashes of where I was in my All-Star seasons, last year,” Conforto said.
“But there were also some slumps in there, so the hitting coaches were saying they see some things that are there when I’m going good. And when I’m not going good, they kind of have some ideas to keep me in that consistent space. Obviously, the home-road splits were big. You can’t ignore those.
“So I think playing in a place like Dodger Stadium, it’s more of a fair ballpark. The ball flies when it’s warm, and it could be a recipe for some bigger numbers this year.”
In 279 plate appearances away from Oracle Park last year, Conforto batted .254/.323/.530 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI, a stark contrast to what he showed when playing in the Giants’ home ballpark.
“Definitely excited,” Conforto added of getting to play home games with the Dodgers. “I’m excited to hit here in Dodger Stadium. It’s a great place to hit. Good hitter’s eye, great weather. Excited to not freeze in the outfield this year.”
Conforto’s hidden prowess is his splits against left-handed pitching. Even with his down season at Oracle Park, he logged a 145 wRC+ against southpaws.
Dodgers role for Michael Conforto
The Dodgers don’t plan to platoon Conforto, that is certain. Andy Pages showed some flashes of upside and he deserves at-bats against left-handed pitching.
Pages was among the best hitters against lefties, but until Conforto shows weakness in that area, Tommy Edman’s status could be where the moving part falls.
Conforto should be seen as an everyday left fielder in 2025, and because of the stable conditions in Dodger Stadium, his defense should be at, or above league-average.
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