Michael Conforto is embracing the culture and mentality of the Los Angeles Dodgers as he embarks on his new journey with the team. The energy at Dodger Stadium is not just about the bright lights—it’s about the drive, discipline, and high standards set by the star players. As a $17 million offseason acquisition, Conforto has found himself inspired by his new teammates, and he recently shared how their work ethic is already influencing him.
He acknowledged that being around elite players like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Max Muncy has had a contagious effect. “Absolutely. It’s contagious, that’s for sure, to be around these guys,” Conforto said. “Being able to watch Shohei work, Mookie work, Freddie, Will Smith, Max, and really all the guys. It’s contagious. There’s an expectation of being competitive and successful, it rubs off for sure.”
The impact of these stars on Conforto is evident as he strives to elevate his performance. He recognizes the unspoken pressure to succeed, driven by players like Ohtani and Freeman, who have cultivated an atmosphere of relentless motivation. Ohtani, known for his profound influence, once shared his perspective on hard work, stating, “I personally don’t really want to narrow their path for them. I’d want them to work hard to broaden their path ahead of them, even just a little.”
The Dodgers are widely known for their deep lineup, but Conforto emphasizes that their success isn’t just about individual talent. Instead, it’s about how each player pushes the next to improve. “Being in a lineup that’s very talented and relentless, it puts pressure on the other team,” he explained. The Dodgers don’t just rely on their skills—they create an environment where constant growth and competition fuel their dominance.
As Conforto prepares for the 2025 season, he does so with more than just his talent—he carries the inspiration drawn from some of the biggest names in baseball. The Dodgers’ culture of excellence could be the key to reigniting the form that made him an All-Star in 2017.
Aiming for 2017 Form as Dave Roberts Places Faith in Him
After dealing with injuries and inconsistencies during his time with the New York Mets, Conforto is determined to rediscover the spark that once made him a standout player. Signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers, he hopes to replicate the success he enjoyed in 2017 when he hit .279 with 27 home runs and 68 RBIs. Now 31, Conforto is eager to prove that he can still perform at an elite level.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sees great potential in Conforto, even drawing comparisons to Teoscar Hernández, a key player for the team in 2024. “Like I said from the very beginning—I think he’s going to be one of my picks to click this year,” Roberts stated. “Not saying he’s Teo of ’24. But that’s kind of the light I see him in.”
This endorsement from Roberts reflects the team’s belief in Conforto’s ability to make an impact. The Dodgers envision him playing a similar role to Hernández, who delivered an All-Star season and won a Silver Slugger award in 2024. However, Conforto has his sights set on not just improving but fully regaining his peak form. “I don’t want to just take a step forward as much as I want to take a couple steps back—to back to ’17 to ’20,” he said.
As the Dodgers open their 2025 season, all eyes will be on Conforto. Will he be able to tap into the energy and mentality of his new teammates to reclaim his All-Star status? The answer will unfold as he takes the field with one of the most talented rosters in baseball.