MICHAEL CONFORTO, OF
Player Data: Age: 23, Bats: Left, Throws: Right, Under Contract
2016 Primary Stats: .220/.310/.414, 21 2B, 12 HR, 42 RBI, 348 PA
2016 Player Review:
One of the biggest disappointments of 2016, it’s hard to believe for a month Michael Conforto looked like everything we could possibly want from the young slugger. His April, in which he hit .365 and had 18 RBIs, made the rest of the season even more difficult to take.
Michael fell into a slump and just couldn’t shake it. His .169 average in May was followed by a .119 average in June and a trip back to the minor leagues. To give him credit, he didn’t pout. He went down to Las Vegas and in 33 games he hit .422 with 9 home runs and 28 RBIs.
Michael swung the bat slightly better when he was called back up, but by then Sandy had traded for Jay Bruce and there was no place to play him in the Mets crowded outfield. In September he only saw 38 at bats, and while he only hit .237 he did manage five extra base hits.
It turned into a long year for young Mr. Conforto and it became very clear that, at least thus far, he has not been able to figure out how to hit lefties at the major league level. In 48 at bats against southpaws he was able to produce only 5 hits, for a .104 average.
In general his defense was steady, and while he predominately played left field he did see some action both in right field and center.
Grade: C-
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2017 Outlook:
Michael Conforto’s 2017 depends greatly on other moves the Mets make. However, last week Sandy Alderson said that whether or not Yoenis Cespedes comes back, the plan is for Conforto to play everyday including against most left-handed pitchers. With his youth and his potential the Mets aren’t giving up on him yet and that’s great to see. If he gets back on track, a .280 – 18 – 75 season seems like a reasonable expectation.
