Dodgers Insider Questions Michael Conforto's Future
Michael Conforto's performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers this season has fallen short of expectations, placing him under scrutiny as the postseason approaches. With a batting average of .194 and an OPS of .624 across 124 games, the veteran outfielder is struggling to replicate his earlier career form.
Dodgers insider Sonja Chen recently highlighted Conforto's disappointing season, particularly in light of his $17 million one-year contract. "The Dodgers had hoped to unlock something closer to Conforto's early-career form when they signed him," Chen noted, adding that his strong July was an outlier in an otherwise lackluster season.
His 2024 performance with the San Francisco Giants, where he hit .237/.309/.450 with a .759 OPS, would be a welcome improvement for the Dodgers at this point. The return of key players like Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Hyeseong Kim further complicates Conforto's situation.
"With Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Hyeseong Kim on the way back, Conforto could not only be fighting for playing time but also for a spot on the postseason roster," Chen explained. The Dodgers' roster is becoming increasingly crowded, and Conforto's lack of consistent production puts his postseason availability in doubt.
Injury Impact and Returning Players
Injuries have undoubtedly affected the Dodgers' overall performance. Tommy Edman, who missed over a month with an ankle injury, is showing promise in Triple-A during his rehab assignment. Max Muncy, after returning briefly from a knee injury and displaying impressive offensive output, is now sidelined again with an oblique injury.
The return of these players adds pressure on Conforto to elevate his game. He needs to improve his performance not only to secure his place on the postseason roster but also to justify the investment the Dodgers made in him.
Conforto's future with the Dodgers hinges on his ability to turn things around quickly. As the postseason looms, he faces a critical period to prove his worth to the team.