The New York Mets already had their outfield situation set before they re-signed Yoenis Cespedes, but now that he's back the team is going to have to make some adjustments.
Based on recent comments from general manager Sandy Alderson, rumors indicate Michael Conforto could see more time in right field during the 2016 season.
"Right now I'm not counting on [Cespedes] playing any right field," Alderson told Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
"It's possible you'll see Conforto over there in spring training a couple of times. We'll just have to see how it shakes out."
As Rubin notes, Conforto has only played left field during his time in the minors and MLB. The last time he played right field was during his freshman year at Oregon State.
On top of that, Alderson said it's "a little premature" to say Conforto is an everyday player and that the youngster is "going to have to earn that right."
The 22-year-old was mostly used against right-handed pitching ever since the Mets promoted him in late July. He hit .270/.335/.506 with 30 runs scored, 9 home runs and 26 RBI in 56 games, but that's a small sample size. He'll likely have to display consistency in order to earn himself more playing time.
In the event he proves to be a capable right fielder, it isn't too outlandish to think the Mets' outfield could consist of Cespedes in left, Granderson in center and Conforto in right, with Juan Lagares and Alejandro De Aza serving as depth options. (The unit will obviously be flexible, with Cespedes moving to center, Conforto getting time in right and Granderson manning right).
If Conforto continues his offensive surge in spring training and at the onset in 2016, it's going to be hard to keep him out of the lineup. His defensive makeup could make him a regular option in right field for manager Terry Collins.
"Conforto is physically mature and will be tied to left field, but he has worked hard to become a solid defender with a knack for making big plays, and his arm is solid-average," Baseball America wrote in Conforto's scouting report last year. "He earns raves for his competitiveness and leadership qualities."
Rumors will be swirling regarding the state of the Mets outfield between now and Opening Day due to their myriad options, but there's certainly a successful formula there if Conforto can hold down right field and continue to produce offensively against both righties and lefties.
