New York Mets Still Believe In Outfielder Michael Conforto

The New York Mets still have confidence in Michael Conforto even though they do not have a clear path to getting him on the field.

The New York Mets have a huge logjam in their outfield. This offseason did little to open up the logjam, actually making things worse.

The Mets picked up the option for Jay Bruce as insurance for Yoenis Cespedes. Cespedes was entering the free agent market for the second consecutive season and the Mets were unsure they would retain him again. So, to protect themselves, they picked up the option on Bruce.

It would prove to be a moot point, as the Mets were able to lock up Cespedes to a long-term deal. As a result, the Mets went to the trade market to try and move Bruce. Cespedes and Bruce will be in the lineup more often than not along with Juan Lagares and Curtis Granderson. So where does that leave Michael Conforto?

The Mets made a lot of precautionary moves in regards to their outfield and are not overstocked in their outfield. As a result, Conforto, the Mets 2014 first round pick, is left without a place to play.

More from New York Mets

Cespedes is capable of playing center field but prefers playing in left field. Bruce looks to be entrenched in right field, while Lagares should split center field duty with Granderson. The Mets have a lot of major league capable outfielders, which Sandy Alderson touched on in a Q&A with the New York Post.

"If Bruce is in right and [Curtis] Granderson and [Juan] Lagares in center, Cespedes in left — Cespedes is an excellent left fielder, Granderson did a nice job for us in center last year, Lagares is excellent, and Jay Bruce I would say he’s league average at least. He’s got a good arm and he makes the routine plays. He’s not gonna save 100 runs for us out there, but we’re not unhappy with our outfield defense."

Given that response, it does not seem that Conforto fits in as anything more than the fifth outfielder. Despite not currently having a role carved out, the Mets have not lost faith in Conforto. Alderson said that the team still believes in Conforto, but it is something they will have to figure out starting in Spring Training.

"Well, that’s something we’d have to work out in spring training. I don’t think that Michael is the kind of player that we want to be sitting on the bench."

Conforto has options remaining and could be sent to the minor leagues. But, he has nothing left to prove at that level; he slashed .422/.483/.727 for Triple-A Las Vegas in 123 plate appearances last season.

One way to get Conforto into the lineup is to expand his versatility. Marc Craig of Newsday tweeted that the Mets are going to give Conforto reps at first base and center field to increase his versatility.

That may not guarantee him more playing time. It is hard to imagine the Mets giving Conforto reps in center field over Lagares and Granderson, as Lagares is superior defensively and Granderson is also left-handed. At first base, the Mets already have a left-handed hitter in Lucas Duda. Conforto is unlikely to surpass him at first base and makes for a poor platoon partner.

Next: New York Mets: 5 Reasons To Be Excited For 2017

The only way Conforto will find his way into the lineup on a consistent basis is if an injury occurs. The Mets will undoubtedly wait it out, as Conforto has a lot of potential. They just may not get to see that potential on display for another season.

Home/New York Mets