Dodgers urged to cut ties with $17 million All-Star before trade deadline

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to be the first back-to-back World Series champions since the New York Yankees in 2000, when they completed a three-peat.

The Dodgers have already made some tough decisions in their quest for another World Series. They moved on from their two longest-tenured players, Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor. However, they may also be forced to move on from Michael Conforto, whom they signed to a $17 million deal last winter.

Conforto was once an All-Star, but is slashing .164/.299/.267 this year. He has just six RBIs and two home runs. ClutchPoints' Matty Breisch urged the team to trade Conforto as Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing start to contribute more.

"If Kim and Rushing continue to shine, don't be surprised if the Dodgers move Conforto before the deadline, as removing him from the starting lineup could be as much about addition by subtraction as any player they get back in a deal," wrote Breisch.

Trading Conforto would be like addition by subtraction. The Dodgers have options to replace him in the outfield. Tommy Edman can take his spot, opening up second base for Hyeseong Kim on a regular basis. They also have the option of simply plugging Rushing into the outfield, even though the team originally noted he would not be playing there after being called up.

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Kim was a Gold Glover at second base in Korea, but has seen time in center field as well for the Dodgers. Perhaps the best lineup for the Dodgers is one where Edman is manning the outfield and Kim is playing next to Mookie Betts. Kim is slashing .378/.410/.486 in 16 games. He has clearly played well enough to stay in the big leagues as the Dodgers essentially designated Taylor for assignment to keep him.

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