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Michael Conforto 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Returning From Injury, Could The Bay Awaken This Former All-Star’s Power?
2 years agoBetween 2017-2019, outfielder Michael Conforto posted an OPS+ of 131, along with 88 home runs, 242 RBI, and 225 walks with the New York Mets. He was named to his first All-Star Game in 2017 and looked to be a staple in the Mets' outfield for years to come. That all changed after 2020, though. The Seattle native's power nearly disappeared, managing just 23 long balls between 2020-21, and he struck out 161 times. Conforto missed the entirety of the 2022 season due to an injury in his right shoulder that required surgery. While there was speculation that the 29-year-old could return for the postseason—and was even offered a two-year, $30 million contract by the eventual World Champion Houston Astros–he did not sign before the Aug. 31 deadline. Despite not logging an at-bat in 2022, Conforto's agent Scott Boras was able to ink a two-year deal worth $36 million with the San Francisco Giants for his client. Given that Oracle Park is one of the more hitter-friendly ballparks in MLB, it could be just what Conforto needs to awaken his power again, one that found him in the 80th percentile in Max Exit Velocity in 2021. ATC projects the former New York Met to slash .248/.343/.412 with 16 home runs, 59 RBI, 61 runs, and a .333 WOBA across 120 games in 2023. Conforto has an ADP of 225 in NFBC leagues and should pop 15-20 homers with his new team if he can stay healthy, making him a solid value at his current ADP.
