Red Sox Hot Stove: Outfielder Michael Conforto an option in 2023?
Conforto missed all of 2022 due to a shoulder injury
Free agent outfielder Michael Conforto is looking for a team to play for in 2023. After missing all of 2022 recovering from an injured shoulder, which he suffered during a workout could be an option for the Red Sox.
There’s been rumors swirling that Boston could trade left fielder Alex Verdugo this winter. If that ends up happening, Chaim Bloom could bring in Conforto to play left field.
The Mets’ 10th overall pick in the 2014 draft had a down 2021 season. He played in 125 games hitting .232 with 94 hits, 20 doubles, 14 homers, 55 RBIs and posted a .729 OPS.
He also has just a .695 career OPS vs. lefties compared to an .873 OPS vs. righties.
The one-time All-Star saw his best year come in 2019. He slugged 33 home runs and drove in 92 runs in 151 games.
Even if the Red Sox hang onto Verdugo, Conforto can play all three outfield positions. He’d be a better fit for left field, which is why potentially trading Verdugo and replacing him with Conforto makes sense.
The seven-year veteran has played 259 games in left field and 146 games in center. He can be trusted in the outfield, something the Red Sox will be looking for in 2023. Boston had way too many gaffes in the outfield last season.
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Conforto was linked to Boston during the 2021 offseason. The club was looking for a right fielder after trading Hunter Renfroe to the Brewers.
MLB Trade Rumors predicts the Washington state native will land a one-year, $15 million deal. The question mark will be his health.
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Can Conforto stay healthy coming off shoulder surgery last April?
They’ll be a market for Conforto, his former team the Mets are interested in bringing him back. A one-year prove it deal makes sense for the former Mets outfielder. With no draft pick compensation attached to him, the Red Sox could be serious suitors for Conforto.
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