MLB Rumors: 3 Potential Destinations For Michael Conforto

A strange thing happened to Michael Conforto last offseason on the way to a presumed $100M free agent contract. His agent, Scott Boras, decided to wait until after the lockout to move, but by then, Conforto had injured his shoulder in a private workout, and his season—and free agency—was shot. 

He'll likely have to sign a shorter-term "prove it" deal this time around, and then head back onto the free agent market in 2023 to get the big-money, long-term contract he was hoping for.  He's still only 29, and before the disaster that was his 2022, and a down year in 2021, he had four straight quality seasons in the New York Mets outfield, averaging an OPS in the high .800s, and batting .322 in the shortened 2020 season with a .927 OPS. 

Teams who don't want to shell out one of the big lifetime-type contracts that Aaron Judge and even Brandon Nimmo are looking for, could do a lot worse than bringing in Conforto on a "bet on himself" short-term deal. 

Here are three teams that fit that mold.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are desperate for outfield help. They've already been linked to a former All-Star outfielder on the trade market, but Conforto is also seen as a good fit. Why the desperation in the OF? Red Sox outfielders in 2022 combined to hit .243 with a paltry .301 on-base percentage, an equally puny .375 slugging percentage and .676 OPS. And they hit just 39 home runs. Total. For all outfielders. 

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox will need to shuffle the deck a bit for 2023, as veteran first baseman Jose Abreu is on the way out, with Andrew Vaughn shifting from the OF to 1B. AJ Pollock declined his option and became a free agent; and Eloy Jimenez will likely spend most of his time in 2023 at DH That leaves Luis Robert as the only confirmed outfield starter. Conforto could certainly make sense for the White Sox.

Brandon Nimmo makes sense for everyone but I don't see the #WhiteSox spending that money on one player even if they should. Michael Conforto should be firmly in their range though.

— James Fox (@JamesFox917) November 8, 2022

Conforto was linked to the ChiSox back in August when some thought he could be ready to sign a two-month contract. They could revisit. 

Toronto Blue Jays

This wouldn't be the first time anyone suggested that the left-handed hitting Conforto would be a fit for the Jays. The team has been looking for an impact bat from that side of the plate for a couple of years. And now with the deal to send Teoscar Hernandez to Seattle for some pitching, there is an acute need—and available cash—to bring in a major league ready outfielder. Conforto could be the guy. 

This feels Conforto-related. https://t.co/8fRJfHoLJW

— glenjamin (@glenallenchill) November 16, 2022

“We're in a better position to do so now from a resource and from a playing time and recruitment standpoint," said GM Ross Atkins about recruiting a free agent outfielder.  

It should also be noted that the Jays have also been linked today to another outfielder, a premier free agent. 

Photo: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports