ESPN baseball reporter Alden Gonzalez brings us the latest on the Los Angeles Dodgers' offseason activities. With a need in the outfield and a failed pursuit of Juan Soto, the Dodgers have now reached an agreement with Michael Conforto on a one-year, $17 million contract. This move comes as the winter meetings begin, adding a new dimension to the team's plans.

Conforto's Past and Present

Conforto, 31, spent the past two years with the San Francisco Giants. During this time, he slashed.238/.322/.418 with 35 homers and 124 RBIs in 255 games, playing both left and right field. Last season, he was especially productive against opposing right-handed pitchers, slashing.284/.349/.537 in 106 plate appearances. His career stats show a player with both power and consistency.The Dodgers were among five finalists for Soto during the winter meetings. Though they made a competitive offer, the Mets ultimately landed Soto on a 15-year, $765 million deal. This left the Dodgers in need of an outfielder, and Conforto stepped in.

Impact on the Dodgers' Outfield

Entering 2025, the Dodgers' projected outfielders are Conforto, Tommy Edman, and Andy Pages. Mookie Betts is transitioning to the middle infield again. Edman could also see time at shortstop depending on other offseason moves. This reshuffling of the outfield positions raises questions about how it will affect the team's performance.The Dodgers and Teoscar Hernández have been in negotiations for weeks but have been unable to reach an agreement. Despite adding Conforto, Hernández might still fit within the Dodgers' plans. His presence could provide additional depth and flexibility in the outfield.

Conforto's Career Trajectory

Early in his career with the Mets, Conforto looked like a rising star, producing an.864 OPS and 12.2 Baseball-Reference wins above replacement from 2017 to 2020. However, he had a down year in 2021 and faced some setbacks in subsequent seasons. After two solid-yet-unspectacular years in San Francisco, he now brings his skills to the Dodgers to fill their need for a left-handed-hitting outfielder. His experience and potential add value to the team as they look to compete in the upcoming season.