Michael Conforto didn’t have his best year with the New York Mets in 2021.
An established power hitter at a perfect age (28), he hit just .232/.344/.384 with 14 homers in 125 games.
His season, just as the Mets’, was a disappointment.
He is now set to enter the market and look for a lucrative, multi-year deal anyway because of his good track record.
After all, he is still in his prime and could very well rebound in the 2022 season.
Here are three potential teams that could pursue his services during the offseason.
3. New York Mets
Even though Conforto rejected the $18.4 million qualifying offer from the Mets, that doesn’t mean we should just rule them out as a potential landing spot.
The player has said that he loves New York and would like to stay.
In fact, with the Mets’ resources, it’s actually quite likely that they reach an agreement to extend the slugger’s stay for the long-term.
The Mets need all the talent they can get, and Conforto is a .255/.356/.468 career hitter, with some really good seasons.
For example, he hit .322 in 2020, and had 27, 28, and 33 homers in 2017-19.
When he is on, he is one of the most prolific left-handed sluggers in the game.
He is definitely a player the Mets should consider keeping as they try to take the National League East crown next year.
2. Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have a fantastic lineup, filled with stars.
They have Yasmani Grandal, Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, and more.
However, they do have a huge hole in right field, as Adam Engel could be the starter there if the status quo remains.
To be fair, Engel had a very good season (.252/.336/.496, with seven homers and seven steals).
However, Conforto has the longer track record of success, more sustained production, and is solid with the bat and with the glove.
He has that sweet left-handed swing, too, that the White Sox need to balance the lineup.
I'm surprised Conforto turned down the QO. For White Sox fans who have been carrying this dream since…2019(?) I hope they are a major player to sign him.
— Josh Nelson (@soxmachine_josh) November 9, 2021
Conforto could be the missing piece for the White Sox if they decide to pursue him.
1. Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals have Michael A. Taylor for defense in center field, and Andrew Benintendi and Kyle Isbel are, as of now, the starters on the corners.
That outfield, offensively, is middling at best.
Benintendi hit a decent .276/.324/.442 in 2021, and while Isbel is promising, he is vastly unproven.
The Royals, expected to make a leap in 2022, need to bring in reinforcements ASAP.
They are projected to have a very good infield, with top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. expected to be called up and have an impact early in the year and the always solid Whit Merrifield and Nicky Lopez are also present.
But the outfield is very weak, and Conforto would be a very solid addition.
Could Conforto make his way to Kansas City? While the Royals do have options to fill RF, Conforto would be a clear upgrade over many options. If he is available for a decent price tag, we hope the Royals take a long look at him. https://t.co/b3tWfz8EI6
— The Royals Rundown Podcast (@SIARoyalRundown) November 9, 2021
The Royals could have some money to spend, it’s just a matter of deciding to allocate those resources to Conforto and convincing the player that the project is a fun challenge.
And it is.
Only time will tell if there is interest by one or both parties.
NEXT: 3 Things Mets Must Do To Find Stability