Barely clinging to the best record in the National League at the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Dodgers need to shore up some key areas of need on their roster in the second half of the season if they still want a shot at defending their 2024 World Series title.
One of those areas is pitching, of course, as the Dodgers' rotation has experienced significant turnover all season while being ravaged by injuries. Some of their injured arms are beginning to come back into the fold, however, so there is at least a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
One area of the Dodgers' roster that remains a problem without a clear solution, however, is the outfield. Specifically, left fielder Michael Conforto – despite his solid defense and recent hot streak at the plate – has otherwise been dead weight in the Dodgers' lineup. Through 82 games, Conforto is hitting just. 184 with a .322 slugging percentage, and he ranks eighth on the team in hits (48), home runs (8), and RBI (23).
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, Conforto is under immense pressure to start performing, and the Dodgers are under immense pressure to find a replacement for him if he doesn't.
Dodgers insider puts ticking clock on Michael Conforto, offers a surprising solution
Dodgers insider David Vassegh said on a recent episode of the Dodgers Territory podcast that he believes Conforto has until July 31 – the MLB trade deadline – to prove that he deserves to be the Dodgers' starting left fielder.
"I know everybody keeps talking about pitching at the deadline," Vassegh said. "I believe the Dodgers should be looking for an outfield bat at the trade deadline. They need a little bit better outfield defense, and they need a little bit more offense."
How much longer does Michael Conforto have left on the Dodgers roster?
— Dodgers Territory (@LADTerritory) July 12, 2025
David Vassegh shares his insight. pic.twitter.com/6keICdhmeh
As far as potential solutions to the Dodgers' outfield problem, Vassegh threw out a couple of rather intriguing names including Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox and Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins.
Duran has been at the center of many trade rumors – and has notably been linked to the Dodgers' National League West rivals, the San Diego Padres – but those rumors have quieted of late due to Boston's recent hot streak heading into the All-Star break. Buxton is on a Twins team that Vassegh deems is "going nowhere," but the veteran outfielder recently invoked the no-trade clause in his contract and shot down any possibility of being dealt out of Minnesota.
Regardless, the clock is ticking for Conforto in the Dodgers' outfield. The longer he remains an offensive liability, the more easily replaceable he becomes in the lineup.
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