There’s something electric in the air when the Los Angeles Dodgers take the field. And it’s not just the bright lights of the Dodger Stadium, it’s the energy, drive, and mentality that the stars bring with them. Being around this group has been inspiring for Michael Conforto, the Dodgers’ $17 million acquisition.
Clearly, their work ethic is rubbing off on him. Hence, he turned to the media to share the important lessons he had learned from some of the team’s star players.
“Absolutely. It’s contagious, that’s for sure, to be around these guys,” Conforto admitted. “Being able to watch Shohei work, Mookie work, Freddie, Will Smith, Max and really all the guys. It’s contagious. There’s an expectation of being competitive and successful, it rubs off for sure.”
The impact these stars have on Conforto is undeniable. He finds himself constantly pushing harder to be better and match their intensity. The source of this mentality is straightforward: players like Ohtani and Freeman, who both personify excellence on and off the field. They have fostered an atmosphere where every player must remain motivated to meet high standards.
For Conforto, it’s a motivating force. Most people know Ohtani for his claiming influence, as he once stated, according to SI. He said, “I personally don’t really want to narrow their path for them. I’d want them to work hard to broaden their path ahead of them, even just a little.”
Michael Conforto says he’s going to feed off being surrounded by so much talent in the Dodgers lineup:
“Absolutely. To be around these guys. Being able to watch Shohei Work, Mookie work, Freddie Work. It’s contagious. There’s an expectation of being successful it rubs off.” pic.twitter.com/oSPNW4YqAO
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) March 16, 2025
Everyone knows Dodgers for their deep lineup, but Michael Conforto emphasizes that it’s more than just the individual talent—it’s the unspoken pressure to succeed. “Being in a lineup that’s very talented and relentless, it puts pressure on the other team,” he explained. It’s not just the Dodgers crushing with sheer ability but how each player pushes others to get better.
Conforto begins the 2025 season not just with his skills but also with the inspiration of some of baseball’s biggest stars. The Dodgers’ culture and relentless drive have sparked something in Conforto that could elevate his game. With the energy of his new teammates behind him, there’s no telling just how far this unstoppable force will go!
Michael Conforto eyes 2017 form as Dave Roberts pins hope on him
After an injury-riddled stint with the New York Mets, Michael Conforto is determined to find the spark that made him an All-Star in 2017. Conforto looks to recapture that magic in a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Back in 2017, when Conforto was one of the biggest stars in the league, hitting .279 with 27 homers and 68 RBIs. Now, at 31, he is poised to run it back! With the Los Angeles Dodgers’ reputation for turning around careers, Conforto is ready to prove he’s still capable of elite production.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sees a lot of potential in Conforto, likening him to a player the team signed last year: Teoscar Hernandez. “Like I said from the very beginning- I think he’s going to be one of my picks to click this year,” Roberts said. “Not saying he’s Teo of ’24. But that’s kind of the light I see him in.”
This optimistic endorsement from Roberts is a clear vote of confidence.
Dodgers’ manager sees Conforto stepping into a similar role that Hernandez filled in 2024 when he delivered an All-Star season and a Silver Slugger award. However, Michael’s sights are set even higher than simply taking a step forward. “I don’t want to just take a step forward as much as I want to take a couple steps back – to back to 17′ to ’20.“
Now, as the Dodgers open their 2025 season, all eyes will be on Conforto to see whether he unlocks his potential and cracks his All-Star form!
The post “It’s Contagious!” – Shohei Ohtani & Freddie Freeman Spark Fire in $17M Dodgers Teammate as He Showers Unstoppable Praise appeared first on EssentiallySports.
