Betts moves to SS, Ohtani setback, Dodgers sign Conforto and Treinen

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers' offseason began on a high note with the extension of Tommy Edman, followed by the signing of Blake Snell. Now, they have made another significant addition by bringing in veteran outfielder Michael Conforto on a one-year deal worth $17 million.

Conforto, 31, started his career with the New York Mets after being drafted 10th overall in the 2014 MLB Draft. He played for seven seasons in New York before signing a contract with the San Francisco Giants in 2022. Last year, he had a memorable season and established himself as the everyday starter.

The Giants needed every bit from Conforto last season when he played in 130 games with a batting line of .237/.309/.450, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 66 RBIs. His addition to the Dodgers is significant because he is a left-handed-hitting outfielder, which is an area where the team struggled in 2024, especially after releasing Jason Heyward late in the season.

Conforto is expected to play a similar number of games in 2025, particularly in matchups against right-handed pitchers, as Dave Roberts often relies on analytics for his lineup decisions.

The signing of Michael Conforto coincided with superstar free agent Juan Soto's decision to join the New York Mets, following his loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series as a member of the New York Yankees. As these moves unfolded, the Dodgers began to secure another free agent of their own.

Following Conforto's signing, the Dodgers re-signed two-time World Series champion right-handed pitcher Blake Treinen to a two-year deal worth $22 million. One of the Dodgers’ top bullpen pitchers will continue with the team for the next two seasons.

Treinen played in 50 games during the regular season and had a record of 7-3 and an impressive ERA of 1.93. In the postseason, he recorded a perfect 2-0 record with a 2.19 ERA, pitching 12 1/3 innings, striking out 18 batters and allowing three earned runs. Additionally, he earned three saves while participating in nine postseason games.

As the MLB winter meetings commence in Dallas, TX, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes announced that Mookie Betts will return to playing shortstop in 2025. Tommy Edman is expected to take over in center field, while the corner outfield positions remain uncertain this early in the offseason. Additionally, Gavin Lux will have the opportunity to remain at second base based on the current roster construction.

Betts, 32, became the everyday shortstop as the regular season began in 2024. However, after fracturing his left hand on Father's Day, he was sidelined for six weeks. During his absence, Miguel Rojas took over as the starting shortstop and continued in that role even after Betts returned in mid-August. Betts then resumed his position as the starting right fielder for the remainder of the season, including the postseason, where he won six Gold Glove awards.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attended the Winter Meetings in Dallas and stated that it is “unlikely” Shohei Ohtani will pitch in Japan at the beginning of the season. He emphasized the importance of being flexible with Ohtani's overall workload as they work on preparing him. Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani will be ready to hit at the start of the year.

The Dodgers are set to return to Dodger Stadium to kick off the season after their opening game in Tokyo on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers. Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the mound sometime in 2025, as the Dodgers plan to ease him back into gameplay. The priority is to ensure that Ohtani is fresh and healthy for the postseason. It has been since September 2023 since we last saw Ohtani pitch, as he underwent left shoulder surgery.

His recovery will prevent him from being ready to pitch during the Dodgers' season-opening series on March 18 in Tokyo, Japan.