Mets Predictions: Michael Conforto’s MLB career after 2020

What does the future hold for New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto?

Predictions are a fun part of sports. Without even realizing it, we make predictions dozens of times each day. Whether it’s through fantasy sports or just wishful thinking, sports predictions are a huge part of these games. Although no one could have seen what has happened in 2020 coming, I thought it might be fun to make some future New York Mets related predictions way down the road.

We begin by taking a look at Michael Conforto’s MLB career after 2020. Heading into this season, plenty of optimistic Mets fans believed this would, yet again, be the MVP-caliber season many have waited for. I have tended to fall somewhere in the middle of the Conforto debate, appreciating what he does well but also accepting he’s not in the same category as some others.

Everyone who has watched Conforto play baseball knows there’s some talent in his game that has yet to be unlocked. When talking about him, it’s a big part of the discussion.

How long will he stay in New York, where might he land, and what will he do? Let’s look at it all and make some Conforto predictions beyond 2020.

2021 is his final year with the Mets

Conforto is a free agent after the 2021 season which means it’s time for the owners—Wilpon or otherwise—to pony up the cash and pay this man his money. Conforto has certainly earned a deal in the $100 million range but will he actually get it?

I say he doesn’t. I think Brodie Van Wagenen will still be the general manager at that point and he has made it clear his loyalties are to former clients above all others. This could mean the club re-signs Noah Syndergaard instead of Conforto or possibly targets someone else BVW has a personal relationship with.

Either way, Conforto’s swan song is coming in 2021.

I won’t get into what I think will actually happen between the 2021 and 2022 season because baseball may not even get played depending upon how labor negotiations go. At some point, however, I have an idea of one team where Conforto may sign with.

Conforto’s legacy in baseball

Conforto won’t get his number retired by any MLB team. He may even become one of the more forgotten players on a successful string of championships.

According to Baseball-Reference, the player he matches most after his age 26 season is Pat Burrell. Burrell won a pair of championships, the second with the Giants, and is remembered by both the San Francisco faithful and the fans he played the most in front of down in Philadelphia.

Conforto already has his World Series home runs for Mets fans to enjoy looking back at. By the time he hangs up his cleats, I think he will get at least one more memorable home run. If he does end up with the Giants, maybe it hits someone kayaking out in the bay.

One thing Conforto has been consistent with throughout his career is hitting home runs. I believe this is what he will ultimately be remembered for most. In particular, I think there’s one year when he bashes 40+. Perhaps we’ll even get a home run race in the future between him and Pete Alonso.

If Conforto can play until he’s 35, he should easily surpass 300 home runs. While this is nowhere near any record, it’s a fine total and more than anyone else has ever hit solely in a Mets uniform.

Sadly, for those Conforto diehards out there, some of the last home runs he will ever hit while calling New York home will have to take place in 2021.

Of course, there’s always a possibility that Conforto returns in the twilight of his career. By then, maybe he’s the left-handed hitting DH option for the club.

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

The Mets have a big decision to make with Conforto within the next two years about his future and whether they believe he is a part of their puzzle. I predict they part ways and he finds a new home somewhere out west and continues to bash away at baseballs. What do you predict for Conforto’s future?