It is one thing to have a slow beginning, another entirely when it stretches into a full-blown slump on MLB’s most scrutinized team. The Dodgers brought in Michael Conforto, an ex-All-Star outfielder with a $17 million deal. The expectation was to replicate the breakout success of Teoscar Hernández in 2024. But lately, all he has provided is enhancing issues.

After another hitless night at the plate of a 6–2 loss to the Angels, the Dodgers fans were not just frustrated—they were done waiting.

Conforto went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk. He sent his batting average to a disappointing .172. And it was not just related to one game. From April 6 to May 9, the star recorded just seven hits. A five-game hit streak guiding to this weekend did little to sway fans who feel he is blocking momentum and eating up a valuable roster spot.

However, what really sparked the fire was what happened off the field.

The team made headlines by releasing its veteran utility star Chris Taylor. The Dodgers also designated backup catcher Austin Barnes for assignment. These were not minor transformations. Taylor was the team’s longest-tenured position star, and Barnes was a staple. Such exits were not related to performance alone, but to provide space for Dalton Rushing and a returning Tommy Edman.

“The Dodgers activated IF/OF Tommy Edman and released IF/OF Chris Taylor,” the team confirmed. It was a clear sign: The Dodgers are focusing on current production over past loyalty. While Conforto was not directly engaged in the move, fans could not help but identify the contrast. Two beloved stars removed to open scopes—yet the underperforming $17 million star remains untouched? The questions came fast.

Making aspects tougher for Conforto, Hyeseong Kim has burst onto the scene since Edman’s brief IL stint. With a .452 batting average and 1.065 OPS over 14 games, Kim’s contact-first approach provides exactly what the team has been missing.

Now, once Hernández returns, the roster puzzle gets tighter. At that point, continued issues will not just be inconvenient—they will be impossible to ignore.

Currently, Dave Roberts’ team is sending a message: Only the best stay. Conforto could not have been part of the most recent cuts, however, with the Dodgers trimming dead weight and elevating hungry young stars, he is on borrowed time. Unless Conforto identifies his swing fast, he could be next in line when the next hard decision rolls around.

Take a reaction asking for Conforto’s removal

It is no longer just murmurs on forums. The team’s fanbase has turned up the heat, and the target is clear.

“Conforto .175 avg should have gone first. Taylor .200 avg can play more positions.” A fan got straight to the point—and the numbers back it. Conforto’s average had gone below .180 after a string of 0-for nights, with only limited versatility to justify his place. Taylor, though batting .200, could plug in across the infield and outfield. For fans, keeping the weaker, pricier bat just did not make sense.

“And when Teo comes back, Conforto is gone.” That is not far-fetched. Hernández is going to return, and the team’s depth chart is already overcrowded. With Dalton Rushing carving out a role and Kim hitting .452, Conforto’s place is clearly on the loose. Such a reaction spreads a widespread belief—he is only in the team because the roster has not fully reset yet.

“Heartless organization. You could not give him the respect he deserves and wait two months… What has Conforto done? Taylor > Conforto.” Well, Taylor has been with the team since 2016 and helped in playoff pushes and earned respect as a quiet contributor. However, Conforto is a newcomer and has failed to produce. So, this was more than numbers—it was an emotion from fans.

“Horrible move. Should have been Conforto!! Conforto is terrible.” Blunt, but common. Across social media, fans are highlighting Conforto’s 0-for-3 against the Angels as the latest instance of wasted scopes. With 29 strikeouts in just the last 30 games and 92 at-bats, the star has not just gone cold—he is clogging up the offense. For the Dodgers fans, it is frustrating watching at-bats that never threaten to matter.

“Good move. Muncy on the chopping block next?” Some fans took a more strategic approach—applauding the effectiveness of the Taylor move while speculating who could be next. Max Muncy’s name popped up because of streaky hitting and positional overlap. “Muncy, who has a career 121 OPS, is saddled with a mark that is almost half of that, 67 OPS,” Bowden from The Athletic writes. “The 10-year vet is off to the worst start of his career as he is batting .177 with only one homer over 35 games and 135 plate appearances. Baseball is hard and these could be just bad starts. But based on their ages, these numbers for Muncy warrant greater concern.” However, with the name of Muncy, the absence of Conforto’s name in the release notice still remains the biggest question mark.

Dodgers fans are not mincing words—and they have been watching closely. As the team embraces youth and accountability, one star remains in the hot seat. Stay tuned and stay loud—transformation could be one slump away. 

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