Dodgers Sign Michael Conforto, Eye Bigger Moves Ahead

Dodgers Land Michael Conforto in $17M Deal, But What’s Next?

DALLAS — The Los Angeles Dodgers are making moves, and while they may not have landed the big fish just yet, they’ve reeled in a solid addition to their outfield. On Sunday night, the Dodgers reached an agreement with Michael Conforto on a one-year, $17 million contract, according to a source who spoke with ESPN. The move comes as the Dodgers continue to search for ways to bolster their roster heading into the 2025 season.

Conforto, 31, has spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco Giants, where he posted a .238/.322/.418 slash line, hit 35 home runs, and drove in 124 RBIs over 255 games. Known for his versatility, Conforto has experience playing both left and right field. He particularly shined against right-handed pitchers last season, slashing an impressive .284/.349/.537 in 106 plate appearances. That kind of production could be exactly what the Dodgers need to add some balance to their lineup.

Dodgers Still in the Hunt for Juan Soto

While the Conforto signing is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t mean the Dodgers are done making moves. Entering Major League Baseball’s winter meetings, which kick off Monday, the Dodgers were one of five finalists in the race to acquire superstar Juan Soto. The other teams in the mix include the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. Despite making what sources have described as a competitive offer, the Dodgers are widely expected to fall short in their pursuit of Soto.

But don’t count them out just yet. The Dodgers have shown time and time again that they’re willing to be aggressive in building a championship-caliber roster. Even if Soto ends up elsewhere, the team has other options on the table.

Teoscar Hernández Still on the Radar

One of those options is Teoscar Hernández, a free-agent corner outfielder who played a key role in the Dodgers’ championship run this year. According to sources, the Dodgers and Hernández have been in negotiations for several weeks but have yet to come to an agreement. Despite adding Conforto, Hernández could still fit into the Dodgers’ plans, especially given his right-handed bat and clubhouse presence.

As it stands, the Dodgers’ projected outfield for 2025 includes Conforto, Tommy Edman, and Andy Pages, with Mookie Betts expected to transition back to the middle infield. However, Edman’s versatility means he could also see significant time at shortstop, depending on what other moves the Dodgers make this offseason. If the Dodgers don’t land Hernández, the Yankees and Red Sox are both expected to pursue him aggressively, particularly if they miss out on Soto.

Conforto’s Journey: From Rising Star to Solid Contributor

Conforto’s career has been a rollercoaster. Early on, he looked like a rising star with the New York Mets, producing an .864 OPS and 12.2 Baseball-Reference wins above replacement from 2017 to 2020. However, a down year in 2021 and a series of unfortunate events derailed his momentum. After declining the Mets’ qualifying offer, Conforto received little interest as a free agent during the lockout-shortened offseason. Then, a shoulder injury during training required surgery, forcing him to miss the entire 2022 season.

He returned to the field with the Giants in 2023 and 2024, putting up solid, if unspectacular, numbers. Now, he’ll have the chance to prove himself once again with the Dodgers, filling their need for a left-handed-hitting outfielder. For Conforto, this one-year deal represents an opportunity to reestablish himself as a key contributor on a team with championship aspirations.

What’s Next for the Dodgers?

With the winter meetings just around the corner, the Dodgers are far from finished. Whether it’s landing a superstar like Soto, finalizing a deal with Hernández, or exploring other options, the team is clearly focused on building a roster that can compete for another World Series title. The addition of Conforto is a smart move, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Here’s a quick recap of where things stand:

• Michael Conforto: Signed to a one-year, $17 million deal to add left-handed power to the outfield.
• Juan Soto: Dodgers remain in the mix but are considered long shots to land the superstar.
• Teoscar Hernández: Negotiations are ongoing, and he could still be a fit for the Dodgers’ plans.
• Projected Outfield: Conforto, Tommy Edman, and Andy Pages, with Mookie Betts shifting to the infield.

As the offseason unfolds, one thing is clear: the Dodgers are determined to stay aggressive. Whether it’s through blockbuster trades, free-agent signings, or internal development, they’re doing everything they can to remain one of baseball’s elite teams. Stay tuned, because this offseason is just getting started.