Dodgers Predicted to Move On From $17 Million Outfielder This Offseason
The Los Angeles Dodgers appear ready to move on from a high-priced outfield experiment.
Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, who signed a one-year, $17 million deal this past offseason, may be playing his final months in Dodger blue. According to FanSidedâs Katrina Stebbins, the organization is expected to part ways with Conforto after the 2025 season concludes.
Trade Deadline Move Signals Direction
The Dodgers acquired Alex Call from the Washington Nationals at the deadlineâan under-the-radar move with major implications. Call is now projected to be the teamâs everyday left fielder moving forward, which not only pushes Conforto further down the depth chart but also reflects the teamâs waning confidence in the veteran slugger.
âConforto was probably breathing the deepest sigh of relief of anyone in baseball when the Dodgers didnât trade for a superstar outfielder at the deadline,â Stebbins wrote.
âBut he fits more into the profile of a fourth outfielder⌠and even that might be generous right now.â
Harsh Reality for Conforto
Confortoâs 2025 campaign has fallen far below expectations. While exact stats were not listed, his production has reportedly been underwhelming enough to make even a qualifying offer seem out of reach this offseason.
âUnless he turns into the best player in baseball in the last two months, letting Conforto walk again in free agency will be the easiest thing in the world for the Dodgers,â Stebbins added. âEven if he was eligible for a qualifying offer, it wouldnât be extended.â
Market Value Sliding
Confortoâs projected free-agent value is declining fast. According to Spotrac, heâs currently tracking toward a one-year deal worth just $4.7 millionâdown significantly from the contract he received entering 2025.
The only way to reverse that narrative? A strong finish to the regular season and meaningful contributions in the postseason.
Alex Call’s Role Moving Forward
While Call may not be viewed as a long-term cornerstone, he appears to be a safer, more versatile option in the near term. His ability to play all three outfield spots and contribute defensively has helped him quickly earn trust in Los Angeles.
On a contending roster loaded with All-Stars, Call doesn’t need to be a superstarâhe just needs to be solid. That, right now, is more than can be said for Conforto.
Looking Ahead
With the Dodgers eyeing another deep playoff run, the spotlight will be on Conforto to prove his value down the stretch. But unless he turns things around fast, his time in Los Angeles may end quietlyâand without a return offer.