Dodgers sign Michael Conforto after missing out on Juan Soto

Michael Conforto debuted against the Dodgers in 2015.

Now he will join the effort to help Los Angeles repeat as World Series champions.

The Mets’ former first-round pick agreed to a one-year, $17 million deal with the Dodgers on Sunday, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed.

The Dodgers agreed to this deal with Conforto hours before Juan Soto’s historic pact with the Mets, which could be a sign that Los Angeles didn’t like their chances in the Soto sweepstakes.

Conforto is $748 million cheaper than Soto, and the Dodgers are hoping they can continue their trend of maximizing players’ talents once they get into their system.

The lefty slugger is coming off two slightly above-average years with the Giants, slashing .238/.322/.418 with a .740 OPS while hitting 35 home runs and 124 RBIs.

He hit 20 home runs and 66 RBIs in 130 games last season.

It’s entirely possible that the 31-year-old can be more productive now that he’s leaving Oracle Park.

Conforto hit .243 with a .745 OPS on the road in 2023, compared to a .243 average and .689 OPS at Oracle Park. Last season, Conforto posted an OPS of .852 on the road compared to .632 at home.

However, Conforto hasn’t performed well at Dodger Stadium in his career.

The No. 10 pick in the 2014 draft is a .177 hitter with a .588 OPS in 30 games at Chavez Ravine.

In his career, Conforto has slashed .251/.348/.456 over nine seasons. He spent his first seven years with the Mets before missing the 2022 season due to shoulder surgery.

Conforto played left field for the Giants last year and the open question is how this signing might impact the team’s attempt to re-sign Teoscar Hernandez.

The Dodgers are still interested in a reunion, according to MLB.com, although they may face stiff competition from Soto Sweepstakes losers like the Yankees or Red Sox.

As Los Angeles looks to strengthen its roster, it is also considered favorite to sign Japanese star Roki Sasaki. He is expected to be fielded by his NPB club during this week’s winter meetings.

The Dodgers have already signed lefty Blake Snell and Tommy Edman to respective five-year contracts.