Now that it has become apparent that Jay Bruce is staying with the Mets, where does that leave Michael Conforto after a disappointing 2016?
There’s a glut of outfielders and Lucas Duda at first base, so it seems there’s a chance Conforto could head back to Triple-A Las Vegas. Not surprisingly, Scott Boras — Conforto’s agent — isn’t enthused by that idea.
“Michael has shown he has the talent level and is ready to establish himself in the major leagues,” Boras said. “He’s conquered the minors, and now it’s time to let experience take its course.”
But with Bruce, Yoenis Cespedes and Curtis Granderson all taking up spots in the outfield — and also a sizable amount of the Mets payroll — Conforto would be the easiest to move, especially because he still has options.
“Obviously, with a lot of young talent, it takes time to define the course of your career and for its course to become clear,” Boras said of Conforto’s season, which included two trips back to the minors. “Last year was a solid learning experience for everyone.”
That experience included an ugly 25-game stretch from May 24 to June 24, when Conforto had just eight hits in 84 plate appearances and whiffed 28 times.
A brief call-up in August didn’t go well and Conforto returned to Las Vegas, where he had a 1.209 OPS before coming back to Queens for good once rosters expanded on Sept. 1.
Conforto, who will turn 24 in March, has continued to struggle mightily against lefties, but the Mets — and Boras — would like to find out if he can prove himself as an everyday player after bursting onto the scene in 2015.
“Talent is like chocolate cake,” Boras said. “It’s always something everyone wants. I don’t worry about whether it’s the appetizer or the entrée, as long as it’s part of the meal.
“Michael Conforto is definitely that for this team. The evidence is even more clear by what he did after he went back [to the minors] and worked on his swing. I think we all know Michael is going to be a quality major league player.”
Conforto and Bruce both could get a chance at first base after a rough, injury-plagued season from Duda.
Boras noted a lot could change before Opening Day, regardless of current plans.
“This is a situation that can evolve,” Boras said. “When you’re productive, they’ll find a place for you. Nothing is set in January or February. The economics of the game place barriers often times that have to be exhausted. He’s a very good player and will be a principal part of the [Mets] organization for some period of time.”