Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman Talks Potential Michael Conforto Replacement

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a familiar position: contending for a championship. However, not all players are performing as expected. Veteran left fielder Michael Conforto is currently struggling at the plate, leading to questions about his future with the team and potential trade options. Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, recently addressed these concerns, providing insight into the team’s perspective and strategy.

This article delves into Friedman’s comments regarding Conforto’s performance, the possibility of a trade, and the overall state of the Dodgers as they approach the trade deadline. We’ll analyze Conforto’s current stats, compare them to his career averages, and explore potential replacements if the Dodgers decide to make a move. Ultimately, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation surrounding Michael Conforto and the Dodgers’ plans for the remainder of the season.

Max Muncy’s Resurgence: A Sign of Hope?

Brandon Gomes, the Dodgers’ general manager, highlighted both Michael Conforto and Max Muncy as potential trade targets back in May due to their underwhelming performances. While Gomes was only “half right,” Max Muncy showed signs of resurgence since May 31, boasting a .346/.462/.654 slash line in 16 games. These are higher numbers than his historic performance. Those figures are well in excess of his historic performance, and lifted his season-long slash line to .242/.367/.416. (122 OPS+). In seven years prior with the Dodgers, Muncy slashed .230/.356/.487 (127 OPS+).

Muncy’s turnaround offers a glimmer of hope for Conforto and a reminder that players can overcome slumps and return to their expected levels of performance. This improvement may also influence the Dodgers’ decision-making process regarding potential trades, as it demonstrates the potential for internal improvement.

Michael Conforto’s Underwhelming Performance in 2025

Michael Conforto signed a one-year, $17 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2024. After two seasons with the San Francisco Giants where he played below expectations, the Dodgers expected Conforto to bounce back. Unfortunately, through 74 games, Conforto is slashing .168/.305/.277 through Tuesday. His batting average is the lowest among all qualified hitters in MLB, and his slugging percentage is the second-lowest.

These statistics paint a clear picture: Conforto is not performing up to expectations. His struggles at the plate have become a significant concern for the Dodgers, who were counting on him to be a productive member of their lineup. The question now is whether Conforto can turn things around or if the Dodgers will need to explore other options.

Andrew Friedman’s Perspective: Patience and Potential

Despite Conforto’s struggles, Andrew Friedman has expressed a degree of patience and optimism. He told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, “To date, obviously, Michael hasn’t performed up to what he expected or we expected, but, watching the way he is working, watching the progress being made, I would bet that his next two months are way better than his last two months.”

Friedman’s comments suggest that the Dodgers are not ready to give up on Conforto just yet. They believe that he is working hard to improve and that his performance will eventually improve. This stance indicates that the Dodgers are willing to give Conforto more time to prove himself before considering a trade.

The Trade Deadline: Will the Dodgers Make a Move?

With the trade deadline approaching on July 31, the Dodgers face a critical decision regarding Michael Conforto. Friedman acknowledged the possibility of trading for a left fielder, stating, “Never say never, but I think we would hold a very high bar and find it very unlikely.”

This statement suggests that while the Dodgers are open to the idea of a trade, they are not actively pursuing it. They would only consider a trade if they find a player who significantly improves their team. The high bar set by Friedman indicates that the Dodgers are content with their current roster and are not desperate to make a change.

Conforto’s Mindset: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

Michael Conforto remains determined to overcome his struggles. He told Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times in May, “This game will kick you down. It will kick you when you’re down. It can be cruel, So sometimes, you just have to lean on what you know you are as a player, and all the support you have around you … and keep going straight ahead, keep working.”

Conforto’s positive attitude and work ethic are commendable. His willingness to persevere despite his struggles demonstrates his character and commitment to the team. This resilience may be a factor in the Dodgers’ decision to give him more time to turn things around.

Dave Roberts’ Confidence: A Long Leash for Conforto

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Conforto’s ability to bounce back, stating that his career prior to this season was strong enough to earn him a “long leash.” Based on Friedman’s comments this week, that leash still has some give.

Roberts’ support for Conforto further reinforces the idea that the Dodgers are not ready to give up on him. His confidence in Conforto’s ability to improve suggests that he will continue to receive opportunities to prove himself in the lineup.

Final Thoughts: The Dodgers’ Approach to the Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves at a crossroads with Michael Conforto. His struggles at the plate have raised questions about his future with the team, but Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts have expressed patience and optimism. The Dodgers are open to the possibility of a trade, but they are not actively pursuing it and have set a high bar for any potential acquisition.

Ultimately, the Dodgers’ approach to the trade deadline will depend on Conforto’s performance in the coming weeks. If he can turn things around and return to his expected level of production, the Dodgers may stand pat. However, if he continues to struggle, the Dodgers may be forced to explore other options. For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.