On December 10, 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their outfield by signing free agent Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million deal. This move comes as the Dodgers continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, with Conforto bringing both veteran experience and a left-handed bat to a team that struggled with offensive production from left-handed hitting outfielders in 2024.
Conforto, who will turn 32 in March, has spent the past two seasons with the San Francisco Giants. Despite his potential, his performance was somewhat affected by the challenging hitting conditions at Oracle Park, the Giants’ home field. Over his time in San Francisco, Conforto posted a batting line of .225/.308/.353 with an 88 wRC+ at Oracle Park, meaning he was below league-average in terms of overall offensive production when playing at home. In contrast, his road splits were much stronger, with a batting line of .248/.332/.471 and a 119 wRC+, showcasing a significant improvement in performance when playing in other stadiums. This trend was especially notable in 2024, when Conforto hit 17 of his 20 home runs away from Oracle Park, highlighting how the dimensions of his home ballpark may have limited his power production.
With his move to the Dodgers, Conforto is expected to provide a much-needed left-handed bat for a team that struggled in that area in 2024. During the past season, the Dodgers’ outfielders who hit left-handed, including notable players like Jason Heyward and James Outman, posted a dismal combined batting line of .176/.251/.298 with a 57 wRC+. This poor offensive output was a clear weak point for Los Angeles, and Conforto’s signing addresses this gap by adding a reliable left-handed option to the lineup.
As part of the terms of his contract, Conforto will receive an $8.5 million signing bonus, which will be paid in two installments: $6.5 million on January 15, 2025, and $2 million on December 1, 2025. His salary for the 2025 season is set at $8.5 million, making his total deal worth $17 million for the year.
The Dodgers’ decision to sign Conforto is part of a broader effort to solidify their roster heading into the 2025 season, ensuring that they have depth in their outfield and an additional bat to complement their strong offensive lineup. Conforto, who has a proven track record as a power hitter, could provide the Dodgers with a significant boost, especially given the team’s struggles with left-handed hitting in 2024. If he can carry over his improved road numbers to his new home in Los Angeles, Conforto could prove to be a key contributor for the Dodgers as they aim for another successful season.
