New York Mets likely out on veteran SF Giants outfielder after latest move

The New York Mets checked in on veteran SF Giants outfielder Michael Conforto recently. However, after swinging a trade to acquire Jesse Winker from the Washington Nationals, the Mets are likely out on Conforto.

New York Mets likely out on veteran SF Giants outfielder after latest move

New York sent pitching prospect Tyler Stuart to the Nationals to complete the deal. Stuart has a 3.09 ERA in parts of three seasons in the minors while reaching as high as Double-A.

On the other hand, Winker was in the midst of a resurgent campaign in 2024. He slashed .257/.374/.419 (127 wRC+) with 11 home runs, 45 RBI, and 51 runs in 379 plate appearances with Washington. This included a 14.0 percent walk rate, 22.2 percent strikeout rate, and a .162 ISO.

The Mets were looking to add a left-handed-hitting outfielder and Winker checks that box. For the time being, he will work alongside Harrison Bader and Brandon Nimmo in the outfield. The Mets do expect Starling Marte to return from a knee injury shortly, so there is not enough room for another outfielder. This is especially true when considering that J.D Martinez is serving as the team's full-time DH.

Similarly, Conforto fit the mold of the type of player the Mets were looking to add. However, that ship has seemingly sailed.

The 31-year-old is slashing .220/.293/.404 (99 wRC+) with 10 home runs, 40 RBI, and 29 runs in 307 plate appearances with San Francisco this season. These are not bad numbers, but for a player who derives nearly all of his value from his bat, the Giants are hoping to get more.

There could be limited interest at best in Conforto at the trade deadline. He is in the final year of a two-year, $36 million pact that he signed before the 2023 season. With roughly $6 million remaining on his deal, the Giants would likely have to pay down some of that amount to facilitate a trade. Even in that scenario, his trade value would be minimal.

Assuming the Giants are unable to move him before Tuesday's trade deadline, the lefty bat will likely finish the season with the club. If his production at the plate does dip any further, the club might need to consider if opening up his roster spot by releasing him would generate more value.