Michael Conforto was acquired as a one-year stopgap and reclamation project expected to benefit from better surrounding talent. Conforto has produced a .186 batting average in nearly 400 plate appearances with a .293 OBP, .319 SLG and .611 OPS, the worst single-season marks of his career. Defensive and running metrics are weak: 21st percentile in sprint speed and eighth percentile in outfield range, making him a below-average runner with limited range. Dalton Rushing briefly experimented in the outfield and the farm depth reduced expectations for a long-term role. Comparisons to Jason Heyward note Heyward had better OPS in far fewer plate appearances yet was released midseason.
Dalton Rushing experimented briefly as an outfielder, and when coupled with the depth in the farm system, Conforto was never expected to be a long-term solution. Essentially, he fit the mold as a guy the Dodgers would appreciate. Conforto is an experienced player with a penchant for walking and not chasing. He was billed as a reclamation project where he'd reset his own value presumably with a big year surrounded by better talent than at any other point in his career.
Unfortunately for Conforto and the Dodgers, none of that has come to fruition. With an 0-for-4 performance hitting cleanup on Thursday, the outfielder is currently sporting a .186 batting average in nearly 400 plate appearances. This includes a .293 OBP, a .319 SLG, and a .611 OPS. All of these categories currently are the worst of his career for any single season.
Theoretically, it would be one thing if Conforto were an excellent fielder and/or speed threat. With one or two above-average skills, it could make the lack of production at the plate a bit more palatable. However, Baseball Savant indicates that Conforto ranks in the 21st percentile in sprint speed and the eighth percentile in outfield range. In other words, Conforto is a below-average runner with some of the worst range in baseball.
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