Why do the Dodgers Continue to Hang on to Michael Conforto after Cutting Players in the Past who were Doing Better than him?
I decided to pose that question to ChatGPT, and here was its surprising answer: Good question — it does look odd on the surface when the Dodgers have historically been quick to cut bait on veterans (A.J. Pollock, Hanser Alberto, even Joc Pederson a few years back) while sticking…
I decided to pose that question to ChatGPT, and here was its surprising answer:
Good question — it does look odd on the surface when the Dodgers have historically been quick to cut bait on veterans (A.J. Pollock, Hanser Alberto, even Joc Pederson a few years back) while sticking with Michael Conforto despite his inconsistency. But there are a few reasons that explain why Conforto is still around while guys like Jason Heyward and Chris Taylor were let go or marginalized:
1. Contract & Control
Conforto is under a guaranteed deal this year that the Dodgers likely don’t see as sunk yet. They gave him money and innings with the expectation he could return to his pre-injury Mets form — 20–30 HR power with a strong OBP.
Heyward and Taylor had different contract/roster contexts. Heyward was on a cheap, short-term flyer with little downside, while Taylor’s deal became an anchor because his offensive decline paired with high strikeouts made him less versatile than before. Cutting them was a financial reset.
2. Underlying Metrics Still Tempting
- Conforto’s hard-hit rate, exit velocity, and swing decisions are still “above replacement” even when his results look bad. The Dodgers lean heavily on those underlying numbers — if they see a player is making the right kind of contact, they’ll give him more leash.
- Heyward, while he provided leadership and defense, had clear physical decline signs. Taylor’s strikeout profile was moving in the wrong direction with little analytical hope of reversal.
3. Positional Role & Depth Chart
- Conforto provides left-handed power in a lineup that is extremely right-handed heavy (Betts, Smith, Freeman, Ohtani is the only LH star but much of the bench is RH). His profile fills a hole the Dodgers don’t have a ton of depth in.
- Heyward’s defensive-first, low-power RF skillset was easier to replicate with younger guys. Taylor’s “Swiss Army knife” role is now better filled by Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, and Kim.
4. Clubhouse & Intangibles
- The Dodgers aren’t shy about valuing fit. Heyward was beloved in the clubhouse, but they may have felt his role was already filled by leaders like Betts and Freeman. Taylor, while respected, had become expendable because his production didn’t match his contract.
- Conforto has a reputation as a steady pro who doesn’t rock the boat — which matters when you’re rotating out prospects and platoons.
5. The “Dodger Reclamation” Playbook
- L.A. has made a living betting on former All-Stars (Turner, Muncy, J.D. Martinez) finding it again. Conforto fits that mold better than Heyward or Taylor because his ceiling — if it clicks — is a middle-of-the-order bat.
- They’ll stick longer with that archetype because the payoff is huge, while the others were lower-upside “hold the line” veterans.
In short: Conforto still looks (to the front office’s models) like a guy one tweak away from being a 25-HR, .350 OBP bat. Heyward and Taylor, by contrast, looked like veterans whose trends were irreversible.
Why the Dodgers Might Be Staying Patient
Here’s a breakdown of what might be guiding L.A.’s decision to stick with Conforto:
1. Encouraging Underlying Metrics
While his batting average and counting stats are subpar, his metrics like Hard-Hit%, Barrel%, and xwOBA suggest he’s still making quality contact. That gives the front office hope he’s one tweak away from more consistent offensive output.
2. Fit and Roster Depth
The Dodgers have long valued left-handed power in their lineup—and Conforto fills a niche they don’t have many alternatives for. Younger players like Andy Pages and Alex Call have had spurts, but they lack the track record or the same upside Conforto offers.
3. One-Year Investment
He was signed to a one-year, $17 million deal for the 2025 season. Cutting him now would still cost money and leave the team without a proven left-handed bat—especially risky late in the season.
4. Historical Model of Reclamation
Dodgers are known for betting on high-upside veterans (e.g., Turner, Martinez, Muncy). Conforto fits that mold—if he turns it around, the upside is middle-of-the-order power. That potential payout could justify patience longer than what they’d give to players without that ceiling.
5. Current Alternatives Aren’t Lighting It Up
Though there are prospects hitting well in Triple-A (like Outman, Pages, Ruíz), none have clearly outperformed Conforto to the point where bringing them up seems obviously better Even the discussion in mid-April suggested keeping Conforto in the lineup despite struggles; the alternatives back then were promising but not ready.
Final Thought
Even with a disappointing surface stat line, Conforto’s underlying metrics (quality of contact, xwOBA) keep the Dodgers invested in his potential. Given their limited left-handed power options and a front office that often honors upside, their patience aligns with both financial and strategic logic.
OK, but why not LH Batter Ryan Ward? Here’s what ChatGPT said:
So, Why Isn’t He in the Majors Yet?
Several factors seem to be standing in his way:
1. Not a “Top Prospect”
Even with blistering numbers, Ward is not considered a high-upside prospect in the Dodgers organization. He’s more of a “Quad-A” type—too good for Triple-A but not seen as impactful enough long-term for the majors.
2. Dodgers Called Up Someone Else
Rather than promote Ward, the Dodgers opted to bring up Justin Dean, a longtime organizational outfielder. Dean didn’t match Ward’s numbers but was presumably viewed as more versatile or a better 40-man roster fit.
3. Blocked Roster & 40-Man Constraints
Dodgers’ roster is crowded with outfields like Betts, Hernández, Pages, Ohtani—plus utility types. Ward’s not on the 40-man roster, meaning calling him up would require an open spot or DFA someone—something this competitive Dodgers roster may be reluctant to do without stronger trade value or long-term upside.
4. Organizational Preferences
Some analysts and fans see Ward as a perfect candidate for a breakout, yet the Dodgers seem to prioritize defensive versatility, floor control, or future upside over pure Triple-A production when promoting.
Reddit comments captured this frustrations well:
Final Thought
Despite his historic Triple-A season, Ryan Ward remains in limbo—an elite minor-league slugger, but not the Dodgers’ preferred MLB option. He’s a classic “Quad-A” guy with undeniable bat-to-ball skills, yet without a roster opening or strategic fit, it’s been tough for the team to take the plunge. Still, trading him could offer more value, or maybe the Dodgers are simply waiting for the perfect moment.
Ok, don’t shoot the messenger. That was all ChatGPT. Of course, Michael Conforto continues to control many Dodger fans’ minds as they continue to wonder, “Why is he in the lineup?” Well, he did have a good game last night. So did that Sheehan dude.
DODGER NEWS & NOTES
- Andy Pages is getting hot at the right time.
- Teoscar is finally locked in on defense after getting called out by Doc.
- Michael Conforto showed promise… finally!
- Nomar sounded different last night, and I really like him paired with Joe Davis. I can listen to EK and Orel, but not Jessica.
- It sounds like Doc went to the whip and told the team that he wanted them to go on a 30-game sprint… and they responded!
X-CITES
My shoulder replacement surgery is tomorrow. My back surgeon also told me yesterday that they are ready to do that. I have no idea when I will be back. Take care, everyone!
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Discussion (85)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I dont put the steal of 2B as a blunder, just got caught, it happens.
The one he went to third, yes, cant happen.
Nice game by Kersh last night. First time he has recorded five straight wins in six years. Pages still has his head up his ass on the basepaths. Made two huge blunders last night that cost them a couple of runs. Just pointing out the obvious. Freddie is a true pro hitter. That line drive down the left field line was a thing of beauty. Miggy with a clutch double that they ended up really needing. Pirates DFAd Andrew Heaney and another former Dodger, Carlos Santana, placed on release waivers by the Guardians.
08/26/25 Los Angeles Dodgers placed LHP Alex Vesia on the 15-day injured list retroactive to August 23, 2025. Right oblique strain.
08/26/25 Los Angeles Dodgers activated LHP Blake Snell from the paternity list.
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Max Muncy will face *live pitching tomorrow
Muncy is likely going to be activated on the upcoming road trip per Dave Roberts. #Dodgers
10:10 PM ET
Reds (68-64)
Dodgers (75-57)
SP Nick Martinez R
10-9 4.59 ERA
SP Clayton Kershaw L
8-2 3.13 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
RF T. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
LF M. Conforto L
3B E. Hernandez R
2B A. Freeland S
77° Wind 7 mph Out
Good luck with your shoulder, Mark. Joint replacements have come a long way just.recently. I look forward to having you back very soon.
Just had my R Hip replacement on Tuesday. Week later and walking easily 20 feet without walker or cane. Stability in new joint is amazing. You will be a happy man after the pain subsides or the oxy kicks in.
The team is presently in a state of flux regarding both its forty man roster and the twenty six active bodies showing up at the stadium today. Prognostication as to the collection of available players by the end of the regular season AND hopefully the groups of dudes during each round of the playoffs is stimulating exercise due to the open ended nature of it all. On and on it goes, where it stops-who the hell knows?! I’m enjoying the ride. I’m in no hurry to live through the offseason, there’s no baseball and it friggin’ rains up here for months on end. GO DODGERS!!!
The two outfielders the Dodgers got in return for May potentially could be very good players at the MLB level. The Dodgers have a very good problem, a stock pile of talented outfielders. Perhaps some will learn a new position like second or third base but the Dodgers have a glut of middle infielders in their top 30. It will be interesting how this plays out. Surely some of the outfielders will be moved to plug a hole somewhere on the diamond. As Bob Seager wrote in one of his lyrics, “what to leave in and what to leave out.”
Jumping the gun a little we have to take care of business at hand.
I like this post! I would have used Gemini (the Gemini response is below,) but it’s a great post idea that can be repeated. Clever and thought provoking.
Kudos for also including your prompt to provide full context.
The Dodgers’ continued belief in Michael Conforto, despite his struggles, is largely based on his underlying metrics and the team’s historical approach to player development. While his traditional stats like batting average (.187), OPS (.617), and defensive outs above average (-5) are poor, the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff appear to be focused on what they see as more promising indicators.
Key underlying metrics that may be keeping Conforto on the roster include his hard-hit rate, exit velocity, and swing decisions. These analytics suggest that he is still making quality contact and that his poor results are a result of bad luck or other factors, rather than a fundamental flaw in his hitting. The Dodgers’ organization has a history of betting on high-upside veterans who show these types of encouraging underlying numbers, with past successes including players like Justin Turner, J.D. Martinez, and Max Muncy.
The Dodgers may also be giving Conforto a longer leash than other players due to his specific role on the team. He was signed to provide left-handed power to a lineup that is heavily right-handed. While his production has not met expectations, the team may view him as a valuable commodity who fills a niche that is not easily replaced by other players in the organization. The fact that the Dodgers did not make a move at the trade deadline to address the “Conforto problem” suggests a continued faith in his ability to turn things around.
Furthermore, Conforto is on a one-year, $17 million contract. Releasing him would mean eating a significant amount of that money, which the team may be hesitant to do unless they are certain they have a better option. With a number of players like Kiké Hernández, Tommy Edman, and Max Muncy returning from injury, it has been speculated that Conforto’s roster spot could be in jeopardy. However, the Dodgers may be holding on to him as a stopgap until the roster is fully healthy and they have a clearer picture of their options.
What ChatGPT said seems like exactly what I’ve been saying, Dodgers management sees more in Conforto’s underlying analytics than fans have the patience to tolerate.
For them it’s business, for us it’s entertainment.
I was at the game last night. Sheehan was really dealing.
Agree on Pages. Also Teo. If they could avoid those chase swings it would be great
God luck with your surgeries. i had a knee replacement 2 weeks ago. it’s amazing how good these surgeries are. Let us know how the shoulder replacement goes – I have doctors who want to do that to me too.
Established Veteran means used to be a good player. Last night he looked like a pro, hitting, defending, running the bases. Basically, I see Conforto as a LH bench piece for the post season.
Mark: They put Pages’ in same boat as Outman? Shows fallibility in their research. Great read overall.
The only value in dumping Conforto would be playoff experience for someone, even a Crash Davis-like quad A.
Sheehan looked like a 1/2:starter last night, Betts looked like a hard working pro and pages took over the run-generating portion of the offense..
hope you have successful surgery and recovery. never met you but i know you are a good person. anyone who loves their family as you do is a 10 in my book! …. Conforto! Conforto , Conforto! nice game last night. we all know he has the ability, what we also know is he has driven us crazy this season. I’m not going to speculate anymore. i have no clue what they do. …. Alex Fleeman? i’m a big fan of! But he’s probably a roster crunch casualty! But probably a major factor next season!….. Emmit was excellent last night!! outpitched the highly touted Hunter Greene. kudos to Doc for letting him go out there for the 7th! ….. Banda could probably use a 10 day break. …. Mookie is coming fast!…. Teo made the plays last night, but boy did he make us nervous!……. Pages ? more impressive than the 2 homers, him laying off pitches completely out of the strike zone!……. Will is tired, again. …. Maybe Max is, as someone suggested, getting better quicker after watching Fleeman! …. Clayton time! the reds have some pesky hitters. He could have a little bit of trouble with their lineup, but probably won’t!…. Guess i have underestimated Miguel Rojas’. value to the dodgers. He WILL be a big league manager sooner than later! …. Hopefully ohtani can rebound from his last start and shut down the reds wednesday. He needs to get his groove back!
Best of luck with your surgeries and your recovery time.
Mark –
Thanks for clarifying a couple of questions I have had this season about the Dodger’s personnel decisions – Conforto and Ward. Your points provided more in-depth information for me which has helped me better understand those Dodger decisions. I feel badly for Ward and his apparent “Quad A” designation but have to rely on AF and his track record of success with the Dodgers. Thanks for settling these issues for me as we enter “crunch” time in the 2025 season. Also, best wishes for a successful shoulder surgery and recovery.!!!
A recent study by MIT showed that over-reliance on AI made people stupid. And I’m not saying that you rely on AI except for fun.
I do know but if I went around saying “Chat GPT says” or “Grok says” …. I would certainly feel stupid.
Mark
As always – THANKS for this awesome site!!
Best wishes on both the shoulder and back surgeries – I have an upcoming surgery on my right rotator cuff with tendon repair, so it will be interesting to hear how your rehab go.
Great start from Sheehan yesterday.
The Dodger’s have had some quality starts recently now that rotation is getting back together. In a couple more weeks it will be an interesting “snap-shot” to see how many quality starts the Dodgers have had between mid-August to mid-Sept vs the rest of the league.
The obvious benefit to the recent trend of quality starts is that the bullpen usage has decreased substantially.
It will be an interesting last week (until 1-Sept) to see what occurs with Conforto – as a fan, I am done with him, but then I thought the same thing about Muncy 2+ months ago 🙂
Be well, big man
Just some thoughts. Muncy and Turner were not former All Star vets.
Lefty or not–Alex Call batting better against righties than Conforto. And 1game with 2 hits is just 1 game.
No matter what his contract is(was) . Most of it is paid by now, so not losing much if they cut him in next few days.
And yes, I know AF knows more than me!!