DODGERS SIGN GIANTS OUTFIELDER MICHAEL CONFORTO TO ONE YEAR DEAL
Los Angeles, CA - Only moments before the major signing of Juan Soto to the Mets, the Dodgers made a move on an Ex-Met themselves. Michael Conforto has agreed to a 1/Yr $17 million dollar contract with the boys in blue for the 2025 season.
Conforto played a total of 130 games for San Francisco last year with a ,237/.309/.450 slash line and in that time hitting 20 HR and bringing 66 runners. He had one of his worst seasons in terms of average and on base percentage but the slug is something the Dodgers are going to look for in an outfielder. With the potential loss of Teoscar Hernandez looming the Dodgers decided to focus on another outfielder who will fill in another starting role for Mookie Betts due to his commitment to the infield.
Conforto played all his games in left field and will most likely do the same for the Dodgers as he is not a well projected defensive minded player. The short porch at Dodger Stadium should benefit Conforto with a -4 run value in 2024.
Now where does this leave the Dodgers?
With the MLB winter meetings just days away we may see some transactions slow down in MLB, but it appears the Dodgers are far from done. With the signing of Conforto and the attempt to obtain Hernandez once more, it can be assumed L.A. will move forward with Mookie as the starting shortstop.
However, winning a World Series does not mean you are guaranteed a roster spot next year. Chris Taylor and Gavin Lux are big question marks for L.A. as both are in clogged roles as utility players, and with Tommy Edman extending it appears Taylor will be limited on playing time once again. For Lux his time at second could be cut short if the Dodgers do not sign another outfielder.
Pitchers? Oh yeah. The Dodgers have some cleaning up to do with the starting rotations filled with talent and so many arms in the minor league system ready to go. Many expect some to start to move to the pen, or even traded to continue to build for the future.
Conforto brings some power in the lineup who could be a strikeout liability, but has crushed left handed pitching as a lefty. He brings a different energy to the outfield and loud and very capable outfielder who can shine with superstars around him. It is a prove it contract for Conforto and after seeing what Hernandez did with L.A. maybe he can do the same.
