Will Michael Conforto be enough to save San Francisco Giants offseason?
After notoriously whiffing on Aaron Judge, Carlos Rodon, and Carlos Correa this offseason, the San Francisco Giants finally landed one of the top free agents available on Friday, inking Michael Conforto to a deal that gives the 29-year-old outfielder a chance to prove his health and productivity.
Following shoulder issues that cost him the 2022 season, Conforto has reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $36 million with the Giants. The deal also includes an opt-out after the first season, giving Conforto a chance to cash in on his success next season should he find it in San Francisco.
San Francisco Giants had to sign Michael Conforto after what has been a horrid offseason
As we reported on Thursday, the Giants were pursuing Conforto as a means of landing the last true potential impact bat on the market. Thought to have inked Correa to a mega-deal before a stunning turn of events that saw the All-Star shortstop land with the New York Mets, San Francisco’s scramble to boost the lineup landed them Conforto. Now the Giants and Conforto will hope that they can help each other reach their goals, which are high for San Francisco in what will be a very top-heavy National League West this season.
In 51 plate appearances in San Francisco over his seven years with the Mets, Conforto slashed .271/.314/.458 at Oracle Park. It’s a good sign in what has been considered a very pitcher-friendly park through the years.
This was San Francisco’s possible lineup before Conforto, who could become the team’s primary designated hitter as well as see time in the outfield. Looking at the Giants lineup after Correa was lost to the Mets, it’s clear that Conforto’s potential was needed in San Francisco.
Here's how the Giants lineup is looking now pic.twitter.com/miXrxL6jV9
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 21, 2022
Next. Winners and losers of the offseason so far. dark
Will Conforto’s signing be enough to save San Francisco’s offseason? It’s a tall order, but the addition of Mitch Haniger (signed during the recent MLB Winter Meetings) and Conforto at least give the Giants a chance to salvage something of an offseason that has been a nightmare in the Bay Area.