Conforto rolls with changes
PITTSBURGH — It has been three years since Michael Conforto made his major league debut, as a late July call-up inserted into a playoff race. Just over three months later, at 22, the outfielder became the third-youngest player ever to homer in the World Series, hitting two blasts in Game 4 in front of an elated Citi Field crowd that had fallen in love with the phenom.
It was clear one of the best eras in franchise history had begun. It was impossible to imagine three years later the Mets would be in the middle of a second straight sell-off at the trade deadline.
“It is strange,” Conforto said. “Last year was my first experience with that, seeing [Curtis Granderson] go, and [Lucas] Duda go, and Neil Walker, and all those pieces, and leaders in our clubhouse. … Nobody likes it, but you understand that if you’re not in the hunt, some things are gonna start to happen.
“We have some really talented young pitchers, and I would hate to see any of them go. … I understand the idea of it, but I think we can have a really good team. I don’t think we’re that far. I really don’t. I think it’s just a matter of staying healthy, and producing like we’re capable of.”
While the Mets spend the next few days determining whether to part with any of their prized arms, Conforto has reminded the club why he remains a large part of the team’s future plans.
After undergoing shoulder surgery last September, and missing most of spring training, Conforto struggled to regain last year’s All-Star form, and was batting just .216 at the break.
But since spending a relaxing few days during the break in East Hampton with Brandon Nimmo and Travis d’Arnaud, Conforto has been among baseball’s best hitters. In his first eight games since the All-Star break, Conforto has hit .367 (11-for-30) with a .441 on-base percentage, and three home runs.
Conforto said that getting a mental rest helped. Growing more comfortable since his delayed start to the season has helped, too.
But Conforto said having been through even worse struggles — hitting .220 in 2016, and getting demoted to the minors — made it easy to believe his swing would return.