New York Mets: How Will Michael Conforto Be Utilized Next Season

After a rough 2016 season, New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto no longer has a guaranteed starting spot on the team. He is going to need to prove himself in spring training in order to earn his way back into the lineup.

Although the New York Mets had high hopes for him, Michael Conforto had a very disappointing first full season in the major leagues. Because of this, his role with the team is unclear going forward.

Conforto, 23, was not able to live up to expectations during the 2016 season. He batted just .220 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs in 109 games. His offensive numbers were so bad at one point that he was sent down to Triple-A for a few weeks. Despite his struggles at the plate, Conforto chose not to play winter ball this year.

As of right now, Conforto does not have a definite starting position on the Mets. Going into the 2016 season, he was considered the team’s starting left fielder. Yoenis Cespedes was the starting center fielder at the time. By the end of the season, however, Cespedes had switched to left field and Conforto was coming off the bench.

Now that Cespedes has been re-signed, left field is out of the question for Conforto. The reason Cespedes switched positions last season was because the Mets did not want to risk him re-injuring his right quad. For this reason, he will continue to play left field, where he is more comfortable, going forward.

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As far as the rest of the outfield goes, right field does not seem like a legitimate possibility for Conforto either. Although he did make five starts at that position this past season, the Mets already have Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce. Before the 2017 season begins, they will probably trade one of these two players. Whichever one is not traded will be the team’s starting right fielder.

Before the 2017 season begins, they will probably trade one of these two players. Whichever one is not traded will be the team’s starting right fielder.

If there’s one position in the Mets outfield that Conforto has a chance to start at, it’s center field. He did not get that much experience at this position last year. However, he will probably get plenty of opportunities in spring training to play center field.

Juan Lagares and Brandon Nimmo will be his biggest competition for this spot in the outfield. Lagares is a stellar defensive player but has struggled to be consistent offensively. Nimmo played well after the Mets called him up back in June, but is still relatively inexperienced.

The way the Mets could handle center field for the 2017 season is have Conforto and Lagares platoon the position. Conforto is a left-handed hitter while Lagares is a righty, so this would make sense. Nimmo could then be the team’s primary backup outfielder.

Another way that the Mets could utilize Conforto is to have him occasionally play first base. This is something that has already been discussed internally. Lucas Duda had back issues during the 2016 season and missed significant time. If this injury returns next year, then the Mets will need to have a good backup option.

Wilmer Flores can play first base but has yet to prove that he’s a viable everyday option. It would be a good idea to have Conforto spend some time playing first base in spring training in addition to centerfield.

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There is no question that Conforto still has a lot of potential. He showed glimpses of just how good he could be after the Mets called up in July of 2015. In 174 at-bats, he hit .270 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs. He then went on to hit three home runs for the Mets during the 2015 postseason, including two in the World Series. He has the ability to be a really good hitter. The Mets just need to find an effective way to use him.