Why Michael Conforto Chose the Dodgers in Free Agency

“I knew that the Dodgers had interest the past couple runs through free agency. But this one happened quick. Scott (Boras) called me and he said ‘the Dodgers want to move fast’. They’re looking for a one-year deal. It was kind of a chance for me to reset myself and have a little change of scenery. I couldn’t say no to playing in a lineup with a guy like Shohei (Ohtani), a guy like Mookie (Betts). I played against a guy like Freddie (Freeman) for so many years in the same division. I really have a lot of respect for those guys. Really, up and down the lineup, it’s going to be a pleasure to be a part of it.”

“I can’t wait. I really can’t. There’s something special about seeing that Dodger Blue and the ballpark, the history there, those big speakers in center field, the buzz. Everybody noticed it last year. Every game was a sellout, it seemed like, at least. The Shohei effect. Not that it wasn’t before, but, you could just feel the buzz. The Dodgers have been great already. I’ve been signed with them for a week. They already sent a care package for my baby boy, who’s turning 1 on Saturday. My wife’s already got a bunch of Dodger gear, so they’re already taking care of us. Everything I’ve heard from guys I’ve played with who have played for the Dodgers say it’s a Class A organization. They say it’s as show as it gets. That’s the kind of reputation around the league.”

“To play in that lineup and see where I fit into that lineup, and how I can contribute with such a stacked group of guys is going to be really exciting. I don’t think it can hurt. I’m going to be protected in any position that I’m in. There’s always going to be guys on base, there’s going to be guys who play the game the right way. You have a superstar lineup that moves runners and takes the extra base. That’s one of the things I noticed in the World Series this year – the Dodgers just played better baseball. It was two stacked lineups going up against each other. Two superstar teams, and the team that played better baseball won. I think baseball players notice that.”

“As far as getting out of Oracle, the numbers speak for themselves. I think of myself as a gap-to-gap hitter, and obviously triples alley is a tough one to hit it over the wall there. I’m looking forward to great weather at Dodger Stadium, a fair ballpark, and a fun place to play.”