Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Sends Warning to Michael Conforto Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
One of the sole concerns for the Los Angeles Dodgers is left field.
At 50-31, the Dodgers hold a 5.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants for the National League West lead. Los Angeles, pending some healthy pitchers, looks well-positioned to defend their World Series crown.
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However, starting left fielder Michael Conforto has not yet lived up to his $17 million payday from this offseason.
Through 70 games, the 32-year-old has a .176 batting average, a .609 OPS, a 74 OPS+, six home runs, and 33 walks to 63 strikeouts. He has also not been a reliable defender, with a Defensive Run Value of -5, which is by far the lowest mark in his career at this point in a season.
Here is what manager Dave Roberts had to say on the importance of this upcoming month for Conforto:
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Michael Conforto (23) watches a home run during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
“It’s critical,” Roberts said. “I think that I’ve shown my faith in him and giving him opportunities. I do, like I’ve said, think he’s trending in the right direction. But we’re going to continue to look and figure out ways we can get better as a ball club as we do get closer to the deadline. I hope that’s not in his kind of mindset. Just continue to get better each night. But it’s important for him to continue playing well.”
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Conforto is on a one-year deal, and even if Los Angeles tried to trade him at the deadline, he would garner an insignificant return.
The Dodgers have internal options such as Kiké Hernández and Hyeseong Kim, who can play the outfield but are not necessarily natural left fielders. Hernández feels better off as a super utility man off the bench who can fill in on almost any regular starter’s day off.
And while Kim is still relatively new to the Big Leagues, he has shown enough at the plate to warrant more opportunities. Through 35 games and 78 at-bats, the 26-year-old is batting .372 with a .948 OPS, a 167 OPS+, two home runs, and six stolen bases without being caught.
Should Conforto continue to struggle, Kim is a prime candidate to absorb those opportunities.
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Related: Dodgers Targeting Rays’ 2.15 ERA Reliever to Bolster Bullpen
Related: What Dave Roberts Said Regarding Shohei Ohtani’s Next Start for Dodgers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.