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Mets Roster: Three key players that need to improve ASAP

By Mason Smoller

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets reacts during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on April 10, 2021 in the Queens borough of New York City. The Marlins won 3-0. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets reacts during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on April 10, 2021 in the Queens borough of New York City. The Marlins won 3-0. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 13: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets heads to first after he was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game one of a double header at Citi Field on April 13, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 13: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets heads to first after he was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game one of a double header at Citi Field on April 13, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Right fielder Michael Conforto

Yes, Trevor May and Jeff McNeil have not had the starts people expected, though their track records in recent years give fans immediate relief they can turn things around quickly. When it comes to Michael Conforto, the story is a little different.

Since hitting the majors in 2015, Conforto has had all the expectations in the world when it comes to being the Mets next superstar outfielder. Early on, it appeared that way, as he made his first All-Star game in 2017 at only 24-years-old.

Then, from 2018-2019, Conforto hit a plateau of being around a .250 batting average hitter who can hit around 30 home runs a year. Of course, those are excellent numbers, but based on his 2020 season, the superstar expectations have returned.

Conforto hit nine home runs and 31RBIs in 2020 to go with a .322 batting average – the highest of his career. Entering this season, which is also the final year of his contract, the idea that Conforto could possibly extend those numbers over a 162-game season had fans excited.

Rather than picking up where he left off, Conforto has had a minimal impact so far this season. He has a .120 batting average in 32 plate appearances and is without a home run. The bright spot for Conforto has lied with his on-base percentage of .313, which is thanks to eight walks, four of them being hit by pitches.

There is a lot riding on the 2021 season for both the Mets and Conforto. New York needs Conforto to produce in order to have a shot at winning it all. Meanwhile, Conforto must rake in order to get the massive deal in the off-season he believes he should get.

Next. Waving goodbye to Jeff McNeil the super-utility man

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The bottom line, the Mets need Trevor May, Jeff McNeil, and above all Michael Conforto to get their seasons going as soon as possible.

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