Nearly every high-profile MLB free agent signed before the season started.
But there always seems to be at least one important name who couldn’t secure the contract he wanted and remains unsigned even after the play ball voice has been heard nationwide.
This time, outfielder Michael Conforto, formerly on the New York Mets, is that guy.
It’s April 11, and the season is already four days old, yet he is still to commit his future to an MLB team.
According to Mike Rodriguez of Univision, the situation could change soon.
At least, per Rodriguez, he is generating interest in the free agent market.
“The Guardians and Red Sox have reached out to OF Michael Conforto this morning, Per Source Familiar with the Situation,” Rodriguez tweeted.
The Guardians and Red Sox have reached out to OF Michael Conforto this morning, Per Source Familiar with the Situation ✍🏽 pic.twitter.com/g5Y4OHz4Ne
— Mike Rodriguez | Univision 🍥 (@mikedeportes) April 11, 2022
Will He Sign Before Or After The Draft?
There is a possibility that Conforto waits until after the draft so he is no longer tied to draft pick compensation.
Teams that sign free agents who have received and rejected a qualifying offer will have to surrender a high draft pick.
This was the case with Conforto.
In any case, he is unlikely to wait that long for his new contract.
The former Mets’ star had a down season in 2021, slashing .232/.344/.384 with only 14 home runs.
However, he has been dominant in the past: for example, he hit 88 home runs over a three-year stretch in 2017-2019.
He is still young, at 29, so he is still theoretically in his prime.
He could be had at a discount price, and should be very productive if he is healthy and in form.
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