After weeks of being a big part of the MLB rumor mill and fans trying to figure out which team might take a chance on free agent outfielder Michael Conforto, we now know the answer about Conforto and his status for the rest of the 2022 season.
Rather than suiting up for another team this year, however, Conforto instead reportedly “underwent successful shoulder surgery,” according to a tweet from Jon Heyman and others. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal mentioned in his tweet (which carried roughly the same wording as Heyman’s) that the information about Conforto’s surgery had been supplied by Conforto’s agent, Scott Boras.
The news that Michael Conforto had undergone surgery for a shoulder injury that happened during the lockout was the final chapter in what has been a winding, weeks-long saga.
As was discussed in this article, the 29-year-old Conforto’s status has been clouded by the injury for some time now. After a disappointing 2021 campaign (slashing .232/.344/.384 in 479 plate appearances for the New York Mets) and having to read between the lines on Conforto’s health this offseason, it’s little wonder why MLB teams weren’t willing to commit resources to bring him on to their roster.
It’s also been an interesting end to a story that began this offseason when the Mets offered Conforto a qualifying offer (one year, $18.4 million) but he turned it down in order to test free agency.
Even as recently as Saturday when Eloy Jiménez of the Chicago White Sox suffered a hamstring injury, there were fans wondering if the White Sox might sign Conforto to replace him in the lineup. The possibility of Conforto still being on the market was alluring … until it wasn’t. Now with Conforto’s fate for 2022 sealed, thoughts can turn to where he might play in 2023.
If Conforto can show that he is truly healthy in time for spring training next year, there will likely be several teams who will see if they can sign him for a deal that gives him a chance to prove his worth. However, for now, Conforto can focus on his health and rehab while teams in need of another bat can officially start looking for other options.