Michael Conforto's Focus Lies on the Field

Scooter's confidence in this Mets squad is contagious

The magic is back.

Well, really, it’s been back since pitchers and catchers reported to Port St. Lucie last week, but as more New York Mets cornerstones like Jacob deGrom, Francisco Lindor, and on Tuesday, Michael Conforto make their first media appearances of the spring, the excitement only seems to increase.

The Mets — led by team president Sandy Alderson and acting general manager Zack Scott —approached this offseason with depth in mind. Through two three-team trades and a number of need-specific free agent signings, the Mets head into 2021 with extremely limited weak spots.

“Team’s in great shape,” Conforto said from Port St. Lucie on Tuesday afternoon. “I think we did a great job covering a lot of areas and not to mention the new staff that we have in the front office, as well. It’s very exciting.”

Lindor, Carlos Carrasco, James McCann, Trevor May, Taijuan Walker, Albert Almora Jr., Kevin Pillar, Jonathan Villar, and Aaron Loup, among others (Mike Montgomery, Mallex Smith, Jerad Eickhoff, Tommy Hunter, Jerry Blevins, Trevor Hildenberger; seriously, I could go on) signify a considerable step in the right direction for this organization.

The Mets’ already existing — and quite potent — positional core of Conforto, Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Dominic Smith (Conforto applauded Smith’s “beautiful swing” and him “taking ownership and accountability” of his career on Tuesday) figures to be one of the stronger contingents in baseball after ranking fifth leaguewide in team wRC+ since the start of 2019.

Though, per Conforto, this group refuses to count their chickens before they hatch. When asked about the team’s high internal and external expectations this season, Conforto answered directly and with a strong aura of leadership.

“I think there’s been enough talk about what our expectations should be. I think the most important thing is that we got out there and we work hard,” he said. “It’s easy to see the talent that we have. But I think it’s important that we don’t allow that talent to be our worst enemy.”

“I think a lot of times, talent can make you complacent. And I think this group, with the leadership that we have, we’re not gonna do that,” Conforto told reporters. “We’re gonna go out there every day and we’re gonna work hard. We’re gonna earn what we get. And we have to do our best to go out there and win every day.”

“I feel like I’ve been around here for a while and we’ve had some talented teams. I think this is the most talented team we’ve had in a long time,” he said. “But there always seems to be this hype around either our pitching staff or the young hitters we have.”

“It’s not that we didn’t work hard, but you can fall into this mode of thinking that you’re better than you are. And you’re not good unless you win a lot of games.”

Of course, Conforto’s impending free agency and possible contract extension with the Mets were brought up.

And just as his teammate Lindor said on Monday, Conforto acknowledged on Tuesday that contract extension talks with the Mets have not begun as of yet. And just like Lindor, Conforto’s focus appears to lie on the field.

“We haven’t started that conversation. For now, it’s great for me to just be able to come in and get my feet wet,” he said. “A lot of my best friends are out here so it’s good to see them. It’s good to be back out on a baseball field […] For now, [extension talks haven’t] started yet.”

All good signs from an integral part of the Mets’ roster. Keep it locked onto The Apple for ongoing coverage from Port St. Lucie!

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