Michael Conforto, left fielder, New York Mets
This year, we likely will learn whether or not Michael Conforto will be in the New York Mets’ lineup 10 years from now. After an encouraging rookie campaign, Conforto struggled last season, slashing .220/.310/.414 and yo-yoing between the majors and AAA.
It’s unlikely Conforto begins the season in the starting lineup without injury to Yoenis Cespedes, Jay Bruce or Curtis Granderson. But the pressure is on him to perform in a bench role. With both Bruce and Granderson’s contracts expiring after this season, Conforto can secure his place in New York’s future if he performs well.
However, there are limited opportunities. Not only will he be coming off the bench, but fellow outfielder Brandon Nimmo will compete with Conforto for at-bats. If the latter struggles out of the gate, it will open the door for Nimmo, who hit .274/.338/.329 in 32 games last season.
Conforto, a left-handed hitter with pop, has real value to the Mets — a team that plays 81 games a year in Citi Field, which is a pitcher’s park. In 2015, Conforto had a .229 ISO at home, no small feat despite a small sample size. He needs to prove that he can be that player over a full season, and over a career. If he does, he’ll get more than just a bit of playing time.