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Dodgers Manager Issues Bold Statement on Michael Conforto as Trade Deadline Pressure Builds

As the Los Angeles Dodgers are charging toward the postseason with their trademark intensity, a question lingers: Can veteran Michael Conforto turn his season around? After a multi-hit performance against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Conforto showed signs of life. Still, manager Dave Roberts delivered a blunt message about the outfielder’s future, saying that the upcoming months will be “critical” for his future with the Dodgers.

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Michael Conforto Has to Make a Consistent Performance to Stay With the LA Dodgers

Conforto’s first season in Los Angeles has been a grind. Through 70 games, the 33-year-old outfielder is batting a dismal .176 with a .609 OPS, a far cry from the production expected when he signed with the Dodgers. His 2-for-4 outing on Wednesday, which included a solo home run and another run scored in an 8-1 rout of the Rockies, marked his second straight multi-hit game.

It was his first such streak since May, lifting his slash line to .176/.302/.308. “The mental side of the game is a big part of it, and sometimes you just need to see something go your way,” said Conforto after his performance. His recent 4-for-9 stretch, with two homers and four RBI, offers hope that he’s rediscovering his swing.

However, Roberts, known for his steady leadership, didn’t mince words when addressing Conforto’s situation. “I think that I’ve shown my faith in him and giving him opportunities,” Roberts said. “I do, like I’ve said, think he’s trending in the right direction. 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.”

The message made it clear that Conforto must sustain his recent form to secure his spot. With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers are exploring outfield upgrades, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Roberts urged Conforto to focus on daily improvement, adding, “I hope that’s not in his kind of mindset. But he needs to continue playing well.”

The pressure on Conforto is intensified by the Dodgers’ depth. Hyeseong Kim has emerged as a reliable two-way player, offering consistency at the plate and in the field. Tommy Edman’s versatility, including his ability to play outfield, further threatens Conforto’s playing time.

If Conforto’s bat remains cold, his role could dwindle, especially as Los Angeles prioritizes a postseason-ready roster. The Dodgers’ front office, known for aggressive deadline moves, may target a proven outfielder to strengthen their lineup, leaving Conforto’s future uncertain.

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