The Los Angeles Dodgers are 32-21 and leading the National League West. However, they are far from perfect. The team could be forced to cut ties with a struggling player soon.
While listing the biggest contract busts from last offseason, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller tabbed Michael Conforto’s $17 million deal with the Dodgers. He is slashing .163/.297/.261 this year and has played in 48 games. The Dodgers have options to replace him already in their clubhouse.
“At this point, they probably wouldn’t even be able to trade him away,” wrote Miller. “If he doesn’t start showing legitimate signs of life, might just have to bite the bullet and drop him like the Astros did with José Abreu last June.”
The Dodgers have a couple of moves they could make to replace him. The team could move Hyeseong Kim to the outfield full-time to replace Conforto. Kim has earned his keep on the roster and is hitting .395 as a utility player for the team. The team ended up designating Chreis Taylor for assignment to keep him on the roster. Kim could play in the outfield, and allow Tommy Edman to stay at second base.
Kim was a Gold Glover in Korea, and the Dodgers may like his glove more at second base. In that case, the team could move Edman to the outfield to replace Conforto. The least likely option is having Kim and Edman control the middle infield and the Dodgers moving Mookie Betts back to the outfield.
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Conforto is a former All-Star and is playing in his 10th season with the team. The Dodgers are not scared to release veteran players. They have already moved on from Austin Barnes and Taylor, and both of them had been staples of the organization for years. If they have to cut Conforto, it will not be a tough decision.
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