Michael Conforto‘s career was temporarily derailed by a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery and cost him the entire 2022 campaign.
The slugger hopes, however, that was just a minor bump in the road and is looking for a new team.
The Seattle Mariners could potentially be the organization that gives him a chance to establish himself in MLB again.
“The Mariners are among the teams interested in signing Michael Conforto, per @jonmorosi,” B/R Walk-Off tweeted.
The Mariners are among the teams interested in signing Michael Conforto, per @jonmorosi pic.twitter.com/6F48ZaOVqx
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) November 28, 2022
Conforto is now several months removed from surgery.
He has been hitting and completing his throwing program for a while now.
He is, effectively, waiting for his new opportunity, but he is working to get his shoulder in tip-top condition.
The Mariners just added outfielder Teoscar Hernandez into the mix via trade, but the Houston Astros signed slugger Jose Abreu, too.
The Mariners Need Offensive Reinforcements
It’s not a direct competition with the Astros, though: the Mariners should bring in offensive reinforcements because their lineup wasn’t all that productive in 2022.
With Jarred Kelenic still not producing and Mitch Haniger hitting free agency, a player like Conforto makes perfect sense.
He hit .232/.344/.384 in 2021, but if he is healthy and fit, a rebound season could be in store for him.
He is too talented to just pass up, and getting him on a one-year, “prove it” deal could be a worthy gamble for a team like the Mariners.
Conforto, who hit 88 home runs between 2017 and 2019, is still 29 years old.
Before making a long-term commitment he is not comfortable with, a one-year contract could make sense for him to re-establish some value.
In any case, it’s easy to see why the Mariners are interested: Conforto, when healthy, is a top left-handed bat and can really help them take the next step.
NEXT: The Mariners May Have Another Veteran Addition In Mind
