NY Mets Rumors: A Michael Conforto qualifying offer rejection on its way

I guess we can end any debate that may spark about whether or not Michael Conforto should get a qualifying offer. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the New York Mets are “primed” to invite Conforto back for another season via the qualifying offer. These late season Mets rumors may have a few fans smiling.

Those diehard Conforto fans should hold off on celebrating just yet. If the title didn’t already give it away, there’s a bit more to these Mets rumors. Conforto is expected to Dikembe Mutombo the qualifying offer. No word on whether or not he’ll wag his finger after rejecting it.

Despite these Mets rumors, the team should still have a good shot at keeping Michael Conforto

The free agent outfield market isn’t an exceptional one this winter which could lead to the Mets putting a heavy focus on retaining Conforto. An issue we could see here is how much it affects the rest of their offseason plans. Conforto will get a nice contract despite his poor 2021 season. If he slips away from the Mets, I fully expect someone else to see his past performance and pay him handsomely.

The Mets outfield situation in 2021 has been abysmal. Conforto included, they have gotten barely anything out of left field. Brandon Nimmo in center fielder has been the one bright spot. However, injuries have plagued his season yet again.

Internal right field replacements for Conforto are plentiful but none too exciting. I wrote several weeks ago about the possibilities. None are too exceptional and could lead to holes elsewhere.

It came as a bit of surprise to learn this early expectation is for Conforto to turn down the qualifying offer. There are a few ways to take this. Is it that he has a preference for a multi-year deal over a one-year prove it opportunity? I have a hard time believing Conforto gets anywhere near the estimated $19-20 million the qualifying offer will provide him—at least on average.

Because his agent is Scott Boras, none of this should come as too much of a shock. There’s a reason why Boras is one, if not the only, agent in baseball we have known for the last two decades. He gets his players paid (for the most part).

How Conforto performs in these final days of the 2021 season doesn’t seem to factor into what his future will look like. A stellar finish could have people questioning how weak his start was.

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On the contrary, going out this year with a whimper only confirms what doubters have always believed. Either way, it appears there will be a formality of offering the qualifying offer, Conforto turning it down, and then a whole new negotiation beginning.