NY Mets: Re-ranking the team’s upcoming free agents

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 20: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets walks back to the dugout after striking out in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. Outfielder Michael Conforto

Entering the season, the Mets offense had high expectations, and outfielder Michael Conforto was a big reason for it. The outfielder was coming off a stellar year at the plate in 2020, where he hit for a career-high .322 average and his highest SLG and OPS since his 2017 All-Star campaign.

Not to mention, Conforto had more on the line than anyone this season. Due to hit free agency for the first time in his career next off-season, Conforto hoped that agent Scott Boras would be able to land him a massive payday. One that may even have been too pricey for Steve Cohen.

That being said, to say his season to date has been underwhelming for all parties would be an understatement.

His batting average is down to a career-low .206. Conforto has only hit six home runs and batted in 24 runs in 58 games, both being lower numbers than he had in 54 games in the pandemic shortened season. He, like many Mets, has also spent time on the injured list with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for over a month.

Of late, his play has been better. In his last seven games, Conforto has four home runs, eight runs batted in, and eight hits in 30 at-bats. Yet, at this point, barring a dramatic turnaround in the second half, his value has diminished significantly.

Luckily for the Mets, this may mean that they can afford to retain him next off-season. Given his down year, he may look for that one-year prove-it deal where he can regain his value. And there is no reason why that cannot come while still in a Mets uniform.

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