Philadelphia Phillies: Michael Conforto can be the next Zack Wheeler

Some more positives about Michael Conforto for the Phillies to consider.

Conforto’s age (29 in March), ability to get on base at a high rate even in down years and history at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark should intrigue us. On the road against the Philadelphia Phillies, Conforto batted .279/.356/.569 with 15 home runs and 42 RBI in only 222 plate appearances. If these numbers were to hold up and we add in the fact that it’s now his home ballpark, Conforto could have a career year ahead of him.

There are a couple of big questions that come with him. Was last year simply a mirage and unlikely to happen again? The Mets struggled offensively up and down the lineup. Conforto was also hurt and may have been battling through some injuries which caused the poor results.

Another thing, is he worth losing a draft pick over? The qualifying offer rejection means the Phillies would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign him.

Finally, there’s the Scott Boras relationship. The Phillies haven’t hesitated to sign Boras clients before. Over in right field, they already have one of his biggest, Bryce Harper. We shouldn’t expect any kind of discount on Conforto. However, the price may get a little too steep.

The Phillies have other options for left field to look at in free agency. Two with big bats are Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber. With them, the preference should be to see them DH a little more than play the field. Conforto is far more capable with the glove than either of them, so unless you have a Gold Glove center fielder, the Phillies may field their way into losses.

Michael Conforto should be under heavy consideration for the Philadelphia Phillies. It may not go the same way the tale of Zack Wheeler did. But in order to end the longest ongoing playoff drought in the National League, you have to try everything.