The Los Angeles Dodgers might have the most dangerous offense in baseball, but they’re not above fixing what isn’t working, and Michael Conforto is running out of time to turn things around.
According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers are expected to add an impact bat before the July 31 trade deadline. The likeliest reason? Replacing Conforto, who has failed to live up to expectations in his first season with the team.
Conforto’s Collapse Could Force the Dodgers’ Hand
“Create a lineup with no holes.” That was Ardaya’s message about the Dodgers’ offensive philosophy heading into the stretch run. While the pitching staff is riddled with injuries and underperformance, Los Angeles has no interest in carrying dead weight in the lineup either.
Conforto, signed in the offseason to deepen the lineup, has slashed just .183/.296/.320 with a .616 OPS, eight home runs and 23 RBIs. The former All-Star is having arguably the worst season of his career, and that’s saying something after missing all of 2022 and struggling in 2023 and 2024 with the Giants.
The problem isn’t just the slash line—it’s the missed opportunities. Conforto has failed to produce in big spots, often looking overmatched against high-velocity arms. In a Dodgers lineup that features MVPs like Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman, there’s no room for a black hole near the middle of the order.
Dodgers Eye Depth, Flexibility Ahead of Deadline
The Dodgers have already pivoted into buyer mode after a disappointing showing from their bullpen investments. Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates haven’t delivered the consistency LA paid for, and the club is actively scouting bullpen upgrades.
But Ardaya’s prediction suggests the front office also sees a path to improving by upgrading the lineup, especially in left field, where Conforto’s production drags the team down. The Dodgers could opt for a left-handed bat who offers more contact or target a right-handed platoon option to neutralize Conforto’s struggles against southpaws.
What’s clear is that Andrew Friedman won’t hesitate to cut losses. The Dodgers aren’t just built to compete—they’re expected to win it all. And with the National League tightening up, especially with the Phillies and Brewers heating up, there’s little room for patience.
Los Angeles has the financial flexibility and prospective capital to target premium bats. Names like Brent Rooker or Taylor Ward could fit the Dodgers’ needs. All offer more pop or reliability than Conforto, whose timing and power have seemingly evaporated.
Conforto’s defensive limitations don’t help either. He’s been passable in left field, but not enough to outweigh the damage done at the plate. With Kiké Hernández struggling as well, the Dodgers need genuine solutions, not makeshift ones.
The front office made it clear during the offseason that the goal was to avoid deadline buying. However, injuries and underperformance, particularly in the bullpen and now the outfield, have altered the calculus.
This is a Dodgers team that doesn’t sit back and wait for things to improve. They make the moves that matter—whether that means gutting the farm or benching a veteran midseason.
And if Conforto can’t right the ship fast, the next move could be his replacement walking into the clubhouse.
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