Michael Conforto wouldn’t be surprised if he’s toting a first-baseman’s mitt to spring training next year.
After a nightmarish sophomore season, in which he was twice demoted to Triple-A Las Vegas, and then caught in a glut of lefty-hitting Mets outfielders, Conforto could see first base as part of his future. The Mets must first decide whether they will retain Lucas Duda, who is arbitration eligible.
“I think [first base] is possible,” Conforto said as he arrived at Citi Field to collect belongings Thursday. “We’ll see what happens in spring training, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Curtis Granderson is signed through next season, and the Mets are expected to pick up Jay Bruce’s option, potentially giving the club two veteran starters in the corner-outfield positions. Yoenis Cespedes’ return would give the Mets a third — but Cespedes can opt out from his contract three days after the World Series.
Conforto was a rookie sensation in 2015, but never rediscovered his swing after a sizzling April for the Mets. He finished the year batting .220 with 12 homers and 42 RBIs in 348 at-bats.
“I’m definitely going to be a little bit more motivated,” Conforto said, when asked how this offseason will be different from last. “I think I’ve got a better plan of what I want to do, what I want to work on this offseason.”
Manager Terry Collins indicated he expects the entire Mets coaching staff to return next season. Collins’ staff — pitching coach Dan Warthen, hitting coach Kevin Long, assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler, bench coach Dick Scott, third-base coach Tim Teufel, first-base coach Tom Goodwin and bullpen coach Ricky Bones — is signed through 2017. Collins’ contract is also due to expire after next season.
Jerry Blevins was among the players who collected his belongings Thursday. The lefty reliever said he hopes he can return next year.
“I would enjoy coming back, but you never know what their needs are and what mine are,” Blevins said. “I love the organization, the guys are great and it’s always fun being on a team that has a chance at winning.”