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Fansided

10 MLB teams that should sign free agent Michael Conforto

By Noah Yingling

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 02: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citi Field on September 2, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 02: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citi Field on September 2, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto
Sep 14, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) follows through on an RBI single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Free agent Michael Conforto is still on the market, nearly a week after the 2022 MLB season has started. Part of it was because he injured his shoulder during the lockout but, in reality, he probably should have accepted the qualifying offer from the New York Mets at the beginning of the offseason.

But since he turned it down, any team that were to sign him would have to sacrifice a draft pick (unless the New York Mets re-signed him). But, when healthy, Michael Conforto is worth it and there are at least 10 MLB teams that could use his bat in the outfield or as a DH.

1) The Boston Red Sox could use Michael Conforto

The Boston Red Sox are one of at least two teams that have reached out to Michael Conforto, according to Mike Rodríguez of Univision and they have reached out for good reason.

Conforto, a primary right fielder, is a way better hitter than Jackie Bradley, Jr. In 134 games for Milwaukee last season, Bradley had an OPS+ of 34. Conforto had a down season in 2021 and he had an OPS+ of 101. From 2017 through 2020, his OPS+ was 134.

Bradley is a better defender than Conforto but if they are so concerned with Conforto’s defense, they could use Bradley as a late-inning defensive replacement. Even then, Conforto has -5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) since 2019. Not great by any stretch but it’s not abominable.

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