Michael Conforto scouting report and fit with the Mariners
Could the Mariners be interested in Michael Conforto as a fix for the open left field spot?
The Mariners are interested in adding a corner outfielder this winter but haven’t given us any indication this will be in free agency. Some players who Seattle has reportedly been interested in are Brandon Nimmo, Masataka Yoshida, and Michael Conforto.
With Yoshida signing and the obvious link for Conforto to Seattle, he could be a real option for the Mariners.
Now before I get into Conforto and his fit with Seattle, let’s remember that the Mariners’ front office has expressed their desire for a right-handed corner infield and outfield option. Conforto is a lefty so based on what we have heard from Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners would need a right-handed bat that fits on the roster with him.
The first and most obvious reason for the interest with Seattle is the fact that Conforto could come home. Conforto is an Oregon State grad and was born in Seattle, attending Redmond High School. The strong ties to the Pacific Northwest would likely create automatic interest from both sides.
Another reason why the interest could be mutual is Conforto’s contract length. Conforto did not sign with a team last season after holding out late into the spring for a contract and eventually injuring his shoulder. The uncertainty with his health is unlikely to generate much multi year interest, so agent Scott Boras has said he could look for a two year deal with an opt-out.
A deal like this would allow Conforto to play and try to regain the value he had pre-injury, and then test the open market if he performs. It was reported that the Houston Astros wanted to add Conforto during the season and even offered him a 2 year 30 million dollar deal. It was also reported that Conforto coveted a contract over 100 million dollars before last season.
Seattle has been relatively unwilling to spend on free agent hitters during Jerry Dipoto’s tenure. Conforto would require short term commitment and would be incentivized to produce. Playing near his home may allow him to be more comfortable and produce in a contract year.
While he did miss 2021, he has an excellent track record of performance. Conforto has played seven seasons and has put up above average offensive seasons in six of the seven. According to Fangraphs he also has five seasons with above a 119 WRC+. His most recent season was 2021, and was one of his worst performances at 106.
Even though he has not played since 2021 the 29 year old has an established track record. The former Oregon State Beaver also strikes out at just a 23.8 percent rate while walking at a 12.1 percent rate. This controlling of the strike zone is exactly the type of player the Mariners would like.
We could expect average to above average defense from Conforto. Although he hasn’t played for a year, the last action we saw from him was encouraging. He ranked in the 89th percentile of arm strength and the 72nd percentile of outs above average. This is a good sign that he hadn’t lost much athleticism the last time we saw him.
After taking off 2020 and returning in 2021 Mitch Haniger took a dramatic step back defensively, struggling to regain form in the outfield. For a Mariners organization that is clearly not interested in long term free agent deals, a short term deal with Conforto could make a lot of sense.
This would be a low risk, high reward deal for the Mariners. It remains to be seen if Seattle would still consider a left handed bat, but all things considered Conforto fits very well.