Winter Meetings: Dodgers Sign Michael Conforto, Soto Agrees to Record-Breaking Deal with Mets
On the eve of MLB’s Winter Meetings, two left-handed-hitting outfielders found new homes on the free agent market.
Superstar Slugger Juan Soto Signs with the New York Mets
One was the biggest name in the sport this winter, with superstar slugger Juan Soto reportedly agreeing to a staggering 15-year, $765-million contract with the New York Mets, setting a new MLB record.
Dodgers Sign Michael Conforto to One-Year Deal
The other flew under the radar everywhere but Los Angeles, with the Dodgers agreeing to a one-year, $17-million contract with veteran Michael Conforto pending a physical, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.
Conforto’s Contract Details
Conforto’s contract with the Dodgers includes an $8.5-million signing bonus and some deferred money, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
Although the Dodgers had been considered one of the finalists for Soto — they met with the four-time All-Star last month and were one of five teams believed to be engaged in his record-setting bidding — the likelihood was always that another team, especially the Mets with their billionaire owner, Steve Cohen, would blow well past anything the Dodgers were willing to spend.
So, as Soto’s Mets deal shattered Shohei Ohtani’s previous record total of $700 million (without any of the deferrals Ohtani agreed to with the Dodgers), the Dodgers shifted their focus elsewhere, landing a former All-Star and nine-year veteran in Conforto to give their thin outfield some left-handed-hitting depth.
Teoscar Hernández’s Future with the Dodgers
What remained unclear after Sunday’s news was where it left the Dodgers’ chances of re-signing one of their best outfielders from last year, veteran slugger Teoscar Hernández.
The Conforto signing isn’t expected to take the Dodgers out of the running for Hernández, who unlike Conforto is a right-handed hitter.
Hernández has also repeatedly stated his desire to remain in Los Angeles, where he hit a career-high 33 home runs in 2024 before becoming a postseason hero in the club’s run to a World Series.
Conclusion
The Dodgers took one step toward shoring up their biggest remaining winter need, landing Conforto on a night the rest of the baseball world was obsessing over the other lefty outfielder to come off the board.
FAQs
Q: What is the value of Juan Soto’s contract with the New York Mets?
A: The contract is reportedly worth 15 years, $765 million.
Q: What is the value of Michael Conforto’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers?
A: The contract is reportedly worth one year, $17 million.
Q: Will the Dodgers re-sign Teoscar Hernández?
A: The team is still engaged in negotiations with Hernández, and his market could heat up with Soto off the board.
Q: What is the Dodgers’ biggest remaining winter need?
A: The team is still looking for another everyday corner outfield bat, with Mookie Betts expected to return to the infield next year.
