Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Calls Upcoming Month ‘Critical’ for Michael Conforto’s Future Amid Trade Deadline Uncertainty

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of Major League Baseball’s most aggressive and strategic franchises when it comes to roster construction, and with the 2025 MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the team finds itself facing some tough internal decisions. At the center of that uncertainty is veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, whose performance over the next month could very well dictate whether he remains in Dodger blue or becomes part of the franchise’s trade deadline maneuvering.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made that much clear in his latest media availability, describing July as “critical” for Conforto’s future with the club. The veteran skipper acknowledged that the front office has a delicate balancing act ahead, and Conforto’s play over the coming weeks could significantly influence the team’s direction as they seek to solidify themselves as World Series favorites.

“It’s no secret we’re evaluating everything right now,” Roberts said candidly. “Michael knows what’s at stake. This next month is critical, not just for him personally, but for the organization as a whole as we head toward the deadline.”

Conforto, a former All-Star with the New York Mets, signed with the Dodgers this past offseason in what many viewed as a calculated depth move by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. The hope was that Conforto, known for his left-handed power and reliable defense in the corner outfield, would provide veteran stability and an offensive boost in a lineup already loaded with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani.

However, the season hasn’t gone entirely according to plan for the 31-year-old outfielder. Battling through inconsistency at the plate and lingering injury concerns, Conforto’s production has been underwhelming, raising questions about his long-term role on a roster with championship aspirations.

Through June, Conforto is slashing .227/.308/.388 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs—a far cry from the peak numbers he posted earlier in his career with the Mets. While his glove work has remained serviceable, the Dodgers’ outfield depth, including the emergence of young talents like Andy Pages and the steady contributions from James Outman, has left Conforto fighting for consistent playing time.

“We all know Michael’s résumé,” Roberts emphasized. “He’s been an All-Star, he’s had big seasons in the past. But baseball’s a what-have-you-done-lately business, especially when you’re a team like ours chasing a title.”

Indeed, the Dodgers’ front office has never shied away from making bold moves at the trade deadline, especially if it means improving the roster’s chances in October. With glaring needs emerging in the bullpen and potential upgrades available on the trade market, Conforto’s contract and positional flexibility make him a candidate to be included in trade discussions should his performance fail to stabilize in the coming weeks.

For his part, Conforto has remained professional and focused despite the mounting speculation. Speaking with reporters after the Dodgers’ recent homestand, he acknowledged the stakes but expressed confidence in his ability to turn things around.

“It’s part of the game,” Conforto said. “You’ve got to produce, especially on a team like this. I know what I’m capable of. It’s about putting in the work every day and letting the results come.”

Conforto’s track record suggests he can still be a valuable contributor. A career .253 hitter with 153 home runs over parts of nine MLB seasons, he’s been known for his streaky yet impactful offensive stretches. His left-handed bat, in particular, remains an asset in a Dodgers lineup that often seeks to exploit matchups against right-handed pitching.

But Roberts and the front office know that potential alone isn’t enough in the high-stakes environment of late-season baseball. The Dodgers have weathered their share of injuries and lineup shuffles this year, and the upcoming schedule offers little room for patience as they chase another National League West crown and prepare for a deep playoff run.

“This isn’t spring training,” Roberts reiterated. “We’re getting to the part of the season where every at-bat, every inning matters that much more. We’re going to be evaluating everything very closely.”

Trade rumors surrounding the Dodgers have already started to swirl, with insiders linking the club to potential bullpen upgrades, a veteran starter, and even additional outfield reinforcements, depending on how things shake out in July. Conforto’s name has naturally surfaced in those conversations, given his contract structure—a short-term, incentive-laden deal that offers flexibility to interested teams.

If Conforto can deliver consistent production in July, he could solidify his spot on the roster, potentially carving out a key role down the stretch and into the postseason. Conversely, continued struggles or health setbacks could make him a prime trade candidate as Friedman and the front office look to optimize the roster for a championship push.

Roberts was quick to emphasize that the organization still believes in Conforto’s talent, but he didn’t sugarcoat the reality facing the veteran outfielder.

“We want him to succeed,” Roberts said. “When Michael’s right, he lengthens our lineup and gives us that balance from the left side. But it’s a results-driven league. We’re going to do what’s best for the team, period.”

The pressure of playing for a storied franchise like the Dodgers isn’t lost on anyone, least of all Conforto, who has experienced both the highs of playoff baseball and the grind of fighting for a roster spot. His experience in New York prepared him for the media scrutiny and fan expectations that come with wearing Dodger blue.

“It’s a privilege to be here,” Conforto acknowledged. “The fans expect excellence, and so do we as players. I’ve been through ups and downs before. My job is to show up every day, compete, and let the chips fall where they may.”

The Dodgers’ upcoming schedule offers Conforto ample opportunity to make his case. With critical series against division rivals like the Padres and Giants, as well as matchups against playoff-caliber opponents in the Braves and Phillies, every performance will be magnified.

Roberts believes those high-pressure games could bring out the best in his veteran outfielder.

“Michael’s been on big stages before,” Roberts said. “We’ve got a lot of important games coming up. It’s the perfect chance for him to remind everyone what he can do.”

For Dodgers fans, the next few weeks will be telling. Will Conforto rise to the occasion and cement his place as a contributor to a potential World Series run? Or will the business side of baseball dictate a different path, with the front office using his contract as a trade chip to address other roster needs?

One thing is clear: July will be a defining month for Michael Conforto’s Dodgers future—and potentially for the franchise’s championship hopes as a whole.

“We all know what’s at stake,” Roberts concluded. “It’s a critical time for everyone.”