The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently placed at the top of the NL West with a 3.5-game lead and a four-game winning streak. However, there are some concerns surrounding their outfield. Michael Conforto, the veteran left fielder who was signed to strengthen the lineup, is going through a season-long slump, raising questions about his role and the team’s plans as the July 31 trade deadline comes closer.
Michael Conforto’s Cold Bat May Make His Dodgers’ Future Uncertain
In December 2024, the Dodgers inked Conforto to a one-year, $17 million deal, banking on a rebound from his middling 106 OPS+ over two seasons with the San Francisco Giants. The 32-year-old former All-Star with a career .246/.345/.446 slash line was expected to thrive in a friendlier hitting environment.
In non-Lakers news, Dave Roberts said Michael Conforto is sitting tonight as a reset of sorts. TBD if he will be in there tomorrow. Said that while Conforto will continue to play a good amount, Hyeseong Kim has earned more opportunities.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 18, 2025
Instead, through 74 games, Conforto’s .168/.305/.277 slash line is nowhere near what was expected from him. His batting average ranks dead last among qualified MLB hitters, with his slugging percentage second-worst. “This game will kick you down. It can be cruel,” Conforto told the Los Angeles Times in May.
However, Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman still has hope for Michael. “Watching the way he is working, watching the progress being made, I would bet that his next two months are way better than his last two months,” Friedman told the Times this week.
Nevertheless, manager Dave Roberts hinted towards a shift before Wednesday’s game against the San Diego Padres. “Michael Conforto is sitting tonight as a reset of sorts,” Roberts said.
While Conforto sits, rookie Hyeseong Kim will be taking his place. The 26-year-old, a former KBO standout who signed a three-year, $12.5 million deal in January, has a .382/.425/.544 slash line over 30 games. Kim’s versatility and four KBO Gold Gloves make him a highly favorable substitute for the veteran.
With the trade deadline just six weeks away, the Dodgers are highly likely to make some big moves. The recent massive trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants shows the market can heat up early, but Friedman’s tone somewhat suggests that they may prefer internal solutions for now before making a move.
Conforto’s leash may be long, but it’s not forever. Kim’s breakout and the Dodgers’ championship aspirations could force Friedman’s hand if the veteran doesn’t get his form back. As Emmet Sheehan (4-1, 4.92 ERA) takes the mound Wednesday against the Padres’ Stephen Kolek (3-2, 3.50 ERA), all eyes will be on Roberts’ lineup card.
Will Conforto get another chance to prove himself, or is Kim what Los Angeles needs to maintain its NL West dominance? The next few weeks could define the Dodgers’ outfield and their season.