Apr 27, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Michael Conforto (8) before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at San Francisco Giants
(Queens, NY) – The calendar has shifted to July, and so the MLB landscape begins to consider the trade deadline.
A month ago, the New York Mets would have been clearly in the “seller” category. But then Grimace happened. And Francisco Lindor started hitting, and Brandon Nimmo drove in runs, and Pete Alonso hit homers. Throw in a Latin pop music hit from backup infielder Jose Iglesias, as the Mets are suddenly back in the Wild Card race – and likely buyers at the deadline.
So the question becomes: who should the Mets target before month’s end? Let’s leave off the obvious, in that basically every MLB team could use bullpen help before the playoffs begin. The Mets, especially amid Edwin Diaz’ sticky-stuff suspension, are most certainly up against it with their pen. Chances are David Stearns and Co. will look to acquire some more arms.
Aside from upgrading and bolstering the pen, the Mets have an obvious and glaring need both in the field and lineup. It just so happens an old friend fits the bill. Without any strong, pure, left handed hitters in the lineup, acquiring a bat that tears up righties makes sense. Ditto if its a corner outfielder – given Starling Marte’s knee injury and injured list stint.
Enter Michael Conforto. The fan favorite and Mets draftee is currently in the second year of a two-year, $36 million contract.
Headed for free agency, he won’t break the bank in a potential trade. And while his .235 batting average with .293 OBP and 9 HR don’t exactly jump off the page – Mets fans also know what can happen when Conforto gets hot and goes on a good streak. Six of his long balls have also come off righties this season.
And for his career, Conforto has swatted 123 HR vs. RHP, as opposed to 33 vs. LHP. His career batting average is also nearly 20 points higher against RHP.
Plus, bringing back the man nicknamed Scooter – who homered twice in the last WS the Mets played in – could only be a positive for the 2024 Amazins’, who are already dealing with big vibes.
