When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Michael Conforto in the summer, they hoped he would be an impact player.
Conforto has been in the game for a long time and has displayed some great signs throughout his career. In 2017, he was selected for the All-Star team while playing for the New York Mets.
In his 10-year career, Conforto has posted a 118 OPS+, but his lone All-Star appearance was the best he has ever played. He has been an exceptional player aside from a few injury problems, but regrettably, the same can’t be said for his brief tenure with the Dodgers.
Dave Roberts Lets His Feelings Be Known About Michael Conforto’s Slow Start
Conforto has struggled this season after agreeing to a one-year, $17 million contract with the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts has admitted that he may eventually stop getting playing time.
According to a post by Dodgers Nation on X, Roberts said, “I’m trying to show confidence by continuing to run him out there and expect things to change.”
Dave Roberts says Michael Conforto is trying to do too much at times but also too passive at times:
“I’m trying to show confidence by continuing to run him out there and expect things to change.”
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 5, 2025
Given that the team has several depth options who can play in the outfield, such as Hyeseong Kim and Kike Hernandez, it would appear that Conforto’s performance to date hasn’t merited the chance to end a prolonged slump.
However, Roberts clarified that he is considering Conforto’s prior big-league career and his time with the Dodgers when deciding whether to give him a “longer leash.”
There hasn’t been a season in his career where he’s been nearly as bad as this. After hitting 20 home runs for the San Francisco Giants a season ago, he was expected to have a much better campaign this time.
On Tuesday, Conforto delivered two singles and a homer to repay Roberts’ faith. However, if he is to stay in his position during the Dodgers’ projected postseason run, he will need to deliver more often. Even his one-year contract is considered one of the worst.
In an article, Kerry Miller of the Bleacher Report wrote, “At this point, they probably wouldn’t even be able to trade him away. If he doesn’t start showing legitimate signs of life, might just have to bite the bullet and drop him like the Astros did with José Abreu last June.”
Given that the left-handed hitting outfielder must be frustrated, Conforto has every right to feel like he does. Los Angeles is a difficult place to play, but Conforto has experience playing in major cities, including New York and for the San Francisco Giants, for the previous two seasons.
Although the Dodgers are in a different position because of all the media attention, given the number of hitters in this lineup, he isn’t under much pressure.
However, Conforto is still an All-Star and has a chance to change things, which is also crucial to remember. He should be in a good position to be dealt if the Dodgers decide to do so by the end of July, if he can perform better.
Comfort is not a major league hitter. He needs to GO!