Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Conforto will not play baseball in 2022. His agent Scott Boras announced that Conforto underwent shoulder surgery last week, Jon Heyman of MLB Network was the first to report Saturday evening.
“Last week Michael Conforto underwent successful shoulder surgery by Dr. Neil ElAttrache,” Boras said, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “He is expected to make a full recovery and return to play in spring training 2023.”
Previous reports had suggested that Conforto might use the independent Long Island Ducks as a “spring training team,” but obviously that’s out the window now. Conforto reportedly turned down a $100 million contract from the Mets over the season and didn’t end up signing with any team by the time the MLB season started.
Heyman added that Conforto suffered his shoulder injury while working out in January, per Boras. The procedure is being referred to as a “cleanup.” Mike Puma of the New York Post was the first to report that surgery was on the table.
Conforto was drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2010 draft and had a great career with the team. In 757 games, he batted .255/.356/.468 with 132 home runs and 19.3 fWAR. However, he had a weak walk year, hitting just .232 with a .729 OPS. That certainly didn’t help the 29-year-old’s case, but this injury has only further complicated matters.
Boras’ comment expressed confidence that Conforto will be back for spring training 2023.
