In 31 games and 117 ABs in Double-A Binghamton, left fielder Michael Conforto is batting .333 with 3 Home Runs and a .521 Slugging Percentage.
Over the last couple of weeks the Mets offense has been anemic, over their last 10 games averaging 1.9 runs per game, prior to July 4. Along with Mets fans panicking over recent play and Michael Cuddyer struggling in left field, some Mets fans want Conforto in the big leagues.
Conforto has only played 31 games in AA, it raises the question, is he an option for the Mets not having spent too much time in the minors? The Mets have discussed sending Conforto to the big leagues, but his lack of experience and games played in the minors have held the Mets back from calling him up. However, with the season going downhill and Cuddyer not playing well having a .242 BA, 6 Home Runs and a .364 Slugging Percentage, it gives all the more reason to have Conforto called up. The Mets have to make the choice whether they want to see if Conforto can help then in the majors or have him continue to develop in the minors.
The Mets can continue to play Cuddyer in left field and see if their current offense can start to score runs at a better pace. Conforto would stay in the minors and develop, which would help the Mets in the long run. In the short term the Mets offense may continue to struggle, but even if he was called up as a 22 year old rookie, most likely he wouldn’t be able to carry the offense on a consistent basis.
If I had the choice I would keep Conforto in the minors and have him develop into the hitter the Mets want him to be. Even though the Mets may have to put playoff hopes off for one more year, it may be the right thing to do. Most likely the Mets would not have made a serious playoff run with their current offense. The 2016 season is the time for Conforto where he will play with a hopefully healthy David Wright and maybe a free agent signing in the off-season.
*All stats from games played prior to July 4, 2015
