Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Michael Conforto is progressing greatly on his way back from left shoulder surgery back in September. According to Sherman, Conforto is now expected to be swinging a bat by late January after receiving excellent medical updates recently from his surgeons.
According to his representatives, Conforto has been working out regularly and is should be a full-go for spring training.
The Mets have in part been looking at first base/outfield type players out of fear of how long Conforto could be on the shelf next season in addition to concerns about the young Dominic Smith.
Conforto was a major presence in the lineup last season in posting a .279/.384/.555 slash line with a 27 home runs in 373 at-bats which added up to a 3.6 WAR.
Of course, this was only until he tore the posterior capsule in his left shoulder on August 24 trying to make a strong swing in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
This news should allow the Mets to focus their attention in the off-season in on a player that is more of a first baseman that can play the outfield instead of vice versa.
The Mets have already been linked to free agents Carlos Santana and Logan Morrison, both primarily first baseman at this point in their careers.
If Conforto were to return to the lineup on Opening Day, they would likely be looking at an outfield of Yoenis Cespedes, Juan Lagares, and Conforto.
