Michael Conforto didn’t play a single inning or even sign with a team following last year’s qualifying offer and eventual shoulder surgery due to an offseason injury. However, agent Scott Boras tells Joel Sherman of the New York Post that he nevertheless feels the market can bring about a multi-year deal for his client. Boras suggests Conforto could seek a contract at least loosely modeled after the two-year deal he negotiated for Carlos Rodon with the Giants, which allowed Rodon to opt out after year one. Unsurprisingly, Boras characterizes the interest in Conforto as “so broad,” adding that he’s throwing from 120 feet and is able to generate full extension in his swing.
While Boras and Conforto could seek a contract structured similarly to that of Rodon, there are a few caveats worth emphasizing. First and foremost, Conforto can’t reasonably hope to match the $22MM annual value on Rodon’s contract and would surely be in line for a lower rate of base pay. Secondly, it should be noted that the second-year player option on Rodon’s contract was conditional; he needed to first reach 110 innings pitched before gaining the right to opt out of the deal. Any team taking the risk of signing Conforto for multiple years might prefer that he fully “earn” the right to opt out rather than make it a flat guarantee. Such clauses are generally dependent on playing time, be it in the form of games played or total plate appearances.
The comments on Conforto come after rumors percolated throughout the season that the longtime Mets outfielder would sign on with a club as a DH down the stretch, after he was detached from draft pick compensation following July’s 2022 draft. Such a deal never materialized, though Sherman notes the Astros had interest in signing him.
Conforto’s continued free agency is sure to be one of the more interesting cases to follow this offseason. Between his lost season in 2022 and a down season in 2021 where he slashed just .232/.344/.384 with a barely above-average wRC+ of 106, there are plenty of question marks surrounding Conforto. However, that’s also the case with many of his free-agent peers on the corner outfield market. While Aaron Judge’s likely record-setting free agency highlights the class, Andrew Benintendi, Mitch Haniger, Jurickson Profar, Joc Pederson, and Michael Brantley all join Conforto in free agency. Of the bunch, only Profar managed a full, healthy season.
Conforto’s significant upside as a 29-year-old (30 in March) who has flashed All-Star caliber production should still create intrigue among clubs. From 2017-20, Conforto slashed an impressive .265/.369/.495 and looked to be establishing himself as one of the league’s best right fielders. It’s easy to see why a team would want to take a chance on someone with his past success, but he has competition in even that regard. Joey Gallo represents an option with similar upside, less injury concerns, and the ability to play center field if needed, though his extreme, high-strikeout profile and ghastly 2023 results are serious concerns of their own that could make Conforto a more attractive option.
Fortunately for Conforto, just as there’s a large class of quality corner outfield free agents, there’s an equally large list of teams that will likely be looking for outfield help in 2023. Whether they re-sign Judge or not, the Yankees will likely look for an upgrade on Aaron Hicks in left field so they can keep Giancarlo Stanton entrenched at DH. The White Sox are in desperate need for outfield help, with only Luis Robert fully locked into everyday outfield opportunities as Eloy Jimenez looks likely to spend more time at DH next year and Andrew Vaughn could replace Jose Abreu at first base going forward. The Rangers will likely be interested in adding to an outfield that lacks certainty beyond Adolis Garcia and Leody Taveras, the Padres may look to replace the departing Profar externally, and the Blue Jays could certainly do with an upgrade to their current tandem of Raimel Tapia and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in left field. Even Conforto’s former team in Queens could be in search of outfield help this offseason, with center fielder Brandon Nimmo now a free agent and Starling Marte capable of sliding over to center without issue.
For all the good Boras has done for his clients… from Bryce Harper to squeezing Detroit for $5M for Jordy Mercer, he really messed up handing Conforto. Conforto should consider firing Boras.
There were rumors he hurt his shoulder at a bachelor party in January. If not for that, he probably would have had a deal for last year. In hindsight though, he probably should have taken the QO.
there are more rumors conforto hurt his shoulder celebrating the mets playoffs at a bar.
one year incentive laden deal at $5 mil but he wont take it and may never play another game.
He’s in line to stay in New York and replace Judge after Judge signs with the Giants.
He also probably should have taken that $120 million from the Mets.
My White Sox are probably going to add a left-handed bat for a corner spot (Colas gets the other at some point early in the season). He could make sense there since we all know they won’t spend on Judge or even Nimmo.
Conforto got Bore-assed.
Hopefully the interest is broad enough to make up for Boras fumbling the bag last year. Even in professional sports, greed has its limits.
Why do you say hopefully? What difference does it make to you? If Conforto doesn’t get a lot of money or doesn’t get signed, there are literally hundreds of players at the major and minor league levels ready and able to take his place. Nobody is entitled.
Conforto thinks he is.
Does anyone BELIEVE the hype Boras dishes out? I mean, I’m pretty sure I recall earlier declarations touting Conforto’s stellar health and similar “disinformation” about previous clients. Teams aren’t stupid enough to take his public statements seriously, so why bother?
Hard to argue with Boras. Looks to me like a 3 years deal, AAV %25M per, with opt-outs for Conforto after first and second year, and a player option for a 4th year at $30M, with a $5M buyout. At the very least, and I wouldn’t want to offend Conforto….
He was not good in 2020…. the QO was a legitimate option for him but not Boras… I’m thinking something closer to half that much AAV with opt outs and after months of Boras hype
I meant 2021… he was hurt most of 2020
He wasn’t hurt in 2020, he had an awesome year actually
My bad forgot it was shortened lol ….. you’re right!
The owners hate Boras but he does get his clients big numbers.
Mikenmn, I think those dollar figures are way too high. He’ll be lucky to get a $20M AAV, and I think something in the $15M -$18M range is more likely.
Agree, they are too high.
I agree, if he gets 20 it will be with a team option for 23 not a player option.
You honestly think Conforto is getting 3/80?
vtadave, If you’re asking me, no, I don’t think he’ll get either a $20M AAV, or 3 years. I think he’s in that $15M-$18M AAV range, but with a Rodon type vesting to opt out.
So I could see him getting 2/$30-$36M, more likely the lower figure, but with an opt-out vesting at something like 450 PAs, or maybe 140 games played.
I’ve always liked conforto but I see more of a 1 year prove it deal in the $10-14M range, but if he can get more than that, he should jump all over it
Maybe you’re right, I’m just guessing. But, I think, given he’s had some past success, his age, and a potential as a bounce back candidate, it seems like a lot of teams would make a gamble on those numbers. And whenever there’s interest from multiple teams the price goes up. But again, since he’s somewhat of unique case, it wouldn’t surprise me if I was significantly off base
You might be right, I tend to low ball projections
As a met fan, I never understood why so many other met fans were so down on him when overall, he was really good. He never became elite, but very solid. I’d actually take him back to split time in OF and DH playing more time vs RHP… but most met fans hate him and wouldn’t want him back
I see a deal like Soler’s recent deal with Marlins, three years at 36 million, 12 per year, may opt out after two years.
That sounds about right
My White Sox are probably going to add a left-handed bat for a corner spot (Colas gets the other at some point early in the season). He could make sense there since we all know they won’t spend on Judge or even Nimmo.
(I know I posted this above but was not supposed to be a reply to someone)
(Nobody cares!)
Ghastly.
Conforto gets a one year pillow contract to prove he’s healthy and can be productive. Lots of teams need LH power so he should draw quite a bit of interest
Or perhaps a minor league contract with potential upside dollars if he makes the club. Hosting a workout would not be a bad idea.
Conforto isn’t taking a minor league deal, nor should he.
Conforto’s next contract will be heavily incentive laden. Conforto needs to bet in himself, unless there is more underlying medical question marks, take a deal that could earn himself $10-12M in 2023 with a team option for $20M the second year if he qualifies (# of games/plate appearances/etc) The second year would be the equivalent of the probably QO anyway. Boras surely overplayed his hand in 2022 and tried to keep a fire lit last year when the kindling was all wet. Conforto wasn’t game ready and Scotty B knew it. The whole year went ahead suspiciously, and ultimately when Conforto passed on the QO money and ended up with zippo for 2022 and left him with a lot a questions going into 2023. Give him a roster spot on the Mets, and have him DH from the left side until he show he can play the field again, regardless of having re-upped Vogelbach. I’d rather see the Promise of Conforto returning to form than Joc Peterson or Joey Gallo on the roster. I might offer something similar to Michael Brantley whom I like a lot but likewise question his readiness to play.
LOL Conforto already bet on himself and lost…bigtime.
@Eastern: Given that he is not a switch hitter, he can’t DH from the right side.
The Angels need a veteran in LF but Moreno doesn’t like Boras so it might be a non-starter.. He’d be cheap and can have a number of incentives and options for a couple years.
Boras is good at hyping players like they are all stars. For anyone to believe anything Boras says they are a fool. Any team looking at signing him will need to take a very long look at medical records and a private work out.
I see that Giants/Rodon deal as being a model for some guys besides Conforto. Players with high upside, but questions about durability, having a vesting option for an opt-out makes a lot of sense.
He’s throwing 120 feet? Not sure that even gets to the infield from the warning track. He’s better off running it in.
I can see the Giants or Rockies making a play for him on a favorable team contract, however with incentives. He’s a streaky hitter with a big question mark on defense. Conservatively I’d look at him as a full time DH with the added bonus he can make an appearance in the outfield on occasion, or even first base if he can learn it.
Conforto in Coors would be comforting, say that fast.
This is not difficult. Boras advised Conforto not to take a 5 year $100M offer from the Mets mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/michael-conforto-turned…
If Conforto has to sign say a 2 year $30M deal with opt outs and incentives, then dear old Scott can dip into his net worth of $450M and make up the difference…….come on Scott, pony up.
Where is a report that “Boras advised Conforto not to take a 5 year $100M offer from the Mets”? The linked report only says Michael Conforto turned down the reported offer.
I think we can infer that Boras advised against taking the money.
That’s speculation. It may be true, but it’s speculation.
The articles and the on-air segment with Martino said the same thing. Haters will be haters, not understanding that the client makes the call, not the agent.
Conforto is a bleep (you fill in the blank) Sometimes, no matter how good an agent is, you just can’t sell a player’s virtues when he has none as a person or a teammate.
There is a reason no team even made an offer for him to DH down the stretch even though he is a career 124 OPS+ hitter.
Boras is trying to put lipstick on a pig at this point.
Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ends up being a Blue Jay, if the jays decide to move a guy like Gurriel. He won’t cost much at all being he didn’t play for a year, most likely will be a 1 year prove it deal. I think it’s definitely worth the gamble for the jays who can use some lefty bats.
He was rehabbing from a torn labrum in January which is why teams stayed away. And still rehabbing today.
He’s going to get a similar Aaron Judge contract.
I think Colorado would be a good spot for him to rebuild his value. Hitters park in a lineup that has some other decent hitters when healthy. Bryant, Conforto, Rodgers, and Cron makes for a decent quartet when healthy.
Most>Bryant
Multi year deal…..hahahahahahaha
Minor league invite only.
Been out a year and injured his shoulder, so Boras you are nuts if you think your client will get anything near what you are suggesting…
A lot of teams have a reason to take a shot at conforto somewhat low risk high reward type of contract
I figure Stros might kick the tires on him and Haniger for the right price tag. But most probably will look to trade a starting pitcher for an outfielder.
2 yrs/$24M with an opt out after year 1. If he opts out his salary goes from $12M to $15M for 2023.
Boras: “Interest in him is broad. So broad. So broad even teams in other sports are offering him contracts. Real Madrid wants him for midfield. The Edmonton Oilers want to know if he can play goal…”
What a load of horse hockey. I have never seen a more down bad selling of a player. What Borass is doing with Conforto, is going to single handedly end this poor dude’s professional career.
I admire Boras’ ability to make schitt up. I’m thinking more along the lines of $8M plus an option year and buyout.
This is a good opportunity for a team like the Pirates to get a premium bat for a fraction of the price.
We’re going to be doing a lot of business with Boras as it is. We’re not stupid enough to pay a Boras price tag for an unpredictable corner outfielder in Conforto. We’ve moved on from him already anyway.
If anyone believes a word Boras says you’re a fool. He told us two years ago there was a robust market for Conforto. Then he got hurt. Who knows how? Confortos career was way to inconsistent. He was supposed to be a star. I expect him to get a one year low AAV with a non contending team. He needs to go to a hitters park like Cincinnati.