Michael Conforto entered 2025 with high expectations and a $17 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but halfway through the season, the veteran outfielder finds himself in a precarious position. After a solid 2024 campaign with the Giants, Conforto has faltered in Dodger blue, hitting just .176 with six home runs and a .609 OPS through 70 games — numbers that have put him at a disappointing -0.5 fWAR.
The Dodgers, currently 50–31 and holding a 5.5-game lead in the NL West, have managed to stay atop the standings despite a rotation riddled with injuries. But with the trade deadline just a month away, the club is assessing its weaknesses — and Conforto’s struggles have left a glaring hole in left field.
Roberts Sends a Message- Michael Conforto on the Clock as Dodgers Eye Left Field Fix
Manager Dave Roberts hasn’t been shy about addressing the issue.
“It’s critical,” Roberts said. “I think that I’ve shown my faith in him and given him opportunities… But we’re going to continue to look and figure out ways we can get better as a ballclub as we do get closer to the deadline.”
While Conforto has had brief flashes of success, they haven’t translated into sustained production. His defensive value has also dipped, with a Defensive Run Value of -5 — the worst mark of his career at this stage.
External Help or Internal Solutions?
The Dodgers have long been active at the trade deadline, and names like Jarren Duran, Cedric Mullins, and Luis Robert Jr. are circulating as potential upgrades. But President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman recently told the L.A. Times, “Never say never… but I think we would hold a very high bar and find it very unlikely.”
One reason? Rookie Hyeseong Kim. The 26-year-old has impressed in limited action, hitting .372 with a .948 OPS in 35 games. Roberts said Kim has “earned a more consistent look,” and his emergence could shift Andy Pages to left field — effectively phasing Conforto out.
With no trade value and only weeks left to turn things around, Conforto is officially on notice. In L.A., the standard is titles — and right now, the veteran isn’t meeting it.