San Francisco Giants hitter Michael Conforto (8) celebrates his solo homerun with teammate Matt Chapman (26) as they play the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sept. 23, 2024.

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Dodgers sign Michael Conforto for $17M; what does this mean for Soto and Teoscar pursuits?

Conforto joins Dodgers; Soto, Hernández futures unclear.

San Francisco Giants hitter Michael Conforto (8) celebrates his solo homerun with teammate Matt Chapman (26) as they play the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sept. 23, 2024.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a one-year, $17 million deal with outfielder Michael Conforto, as first reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The contract figures were confirmed by ESPN’s Alden González. The Dodgers have not officially announced the signing.

Dodgers, OF Michael Conforto are reportedly in agreement on a contract. pic.twitter.com/R6XD0XzaGs
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 9, 2024

Conforto, 31, comes off a two-year stint with the Giants, where he played under a $36 million contract after missing the entire 2022 season due to right shoulder surgery. Despite battling injuries, he had a relatively healthy 2024 season, appearing in 130 games.

He hit .237/.309/.450 with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs, posting a 116 OPS+. His hard-hit rate reached a career-high 46.3%, although his walk rate dropped to a career-low 8.6%.

Conforto’s role in the Dodgers’ outfield

Conforto joins an evolving Dodgers outfield, which includes Tommy Edman, James Outman, Andy Pages, and Chris Taylor. Mookie Betts is expected to move to the infield full-time in 2025, adding flexibility to the roster. The Dodgers are also developing top prospect Dalton Rushing, who could see time in left field.

BREAKING:

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed left-handed hitting Outfielder…

Michael Conforto.

Does this mean they are OUT on Juan Soto? pic.twitter.com/ILdtYpDbOZ
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) December 9, 2024

Conforto, a 2017 All-Star with the Mets, has experience playing under high-pressure situations. He was instrumental during the Mets’ 2015 playoff run, hitting .333 with two home runs in the World Series. His ability to perform on the big stage could prove valuable for the Dodgers, especially if their other pursuits fall through.

What does this mean for Teoscar Hernández?

The Dodgers have expressed interest in re-signing Teoscar Hernández, who played a key role in their 2024 World Series run. Conforto’s signing doesn’t necessarily eliminate the possibility of a Hernández reunion. Hernández reportedly remains interested in returning to Los Angeles but is also considering offers from the Yankees and Red Sox.

Dodgers better be finalizing that Teoscar deal right now lol
— Tywin (@Bir3xdFly) December 9, 2024

According to insider Pete Abraham, Hernández is intrigued by Boston’s Alex Cora and Fenway Park but would prefer to return to the Dodgers if terms align. Conforto’s addition gives the Dodgers leverage in these discussions while also serving as a backup plan if they don’t reach an agreement with Hernández.

The Soto Situation

Juan Soto’s rumored price tag is massive, nearing $700 million, according to insiders. The Dodgers showed him an incredible vision of their lineup with stars like Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman, but does that even matter if the final decision boils down to the dollars? It feels like the Dodgers are realizing that they might not want to tie up that much of their payroll when they can invest in depth elsewhere.

Dodgers still in on Teoscar Hernández, sources say. Conforto LHH, Hernández RHH
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2024

According to insider Jon Heyman, Soto’s potential fit within the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup, featuring Shohei Ohtani, Betts, and Freddie Freeman, was part of LA’s pitch.

“When they had the meeting, I believe the Dodgers told him that the lineup would be Ohtani first, Soto second, Betts third and Freeman fourth,” said Heyman.

Despite the enticing opportunity, Soto’s contract demands, rumored to exceed $600 million, may be too steep for the Dodgers, who have shown they won’t overpay even for elite talent.

Dodgers signs Michael Conforto

Juan Soto

LA signs Michael Conforto

Michael Conforto

Michael Conforto signs with Dodgers

Michael Conforto signs with LA dodgers

Teoscar Hernández

Natasha Bose

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