While the baseball world is waiting for where Juan Soto is going to wind up, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a move as they signed outfielder Michael Conforto for a one-year, $17 million contract. While this contract does not necessarily make the headlines right now, it is a pivotal move that can signify that the reigning World Series Champions continue to bolster their lineup. Let’s take a deeper dive into what this means for the Los Angeles Dodgers now that they added Michael Conforto.
Los Angeles Dodgers Add Michael Conforto
Michael Conforto showcased his ability to do well for the San Francisco Giants as he played in 130 games and had a 116 OPS+ with 20 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 56 runs scored. The former All-Star has shown the ability to do well at the plate and staying in the NL West means he will face a lot of the same pitchers again this season. Expect to see Michael Conforto slide into left field at Dodger Stadium and play the majority of the season there. The current Dodgers outfield is Michael Conforto, James Outman, and Andy Pages so do not be shocked if a fourth outfielder is signed to battle with Chris Taylor on the bench.
This deal does not necessarily take the Los Angeles Dodgers out of the Teoscar Hernandez sweepstakes, which certainly fills that role. This organization has shown the ability to continue to add payroll and adding a veteran in Michael Conforto on a one-year deal just shows that this team is ready to add veterans to improve the flaws in their roster right now. Los Angeles now has a player who an hit the ball well and play corner outfield, plus making sure their divisional rivals just got a bit weaker after adding shortstop Willy Adames. Whichever way you paint this, the Los Angeles Dodgers are better tonight than they were 24 hours ago because of this deal.
It will be interesting to see if this concludes the Dodgers making moves during the MLB offseason or if this, extending Tommy Edman, and signing starting pitcher Blake Snell were just the tip of the iceberg for the organization.
