Michael Conforto to Have Shoulder Surgery

The Mets announced on Saturday that Michael Conforto will have surgery on his injured shoulder and faces a long recovery, one that could see him miss the start of 2018. And such is the existence of the New York Mets.

The team has estimated a rehab time of four-to-six months. Even at the long end, he would be working his way back during Spring Training. But you know how it is with injuries and the Mets — it always takes longer. So do not be shocked to see Conforto remaining in Port St. Lucie when the Mets break camp next April (are we really talking about next April already?).

Conforto enjoyed a breakout year, batting .279 with 27 home runs and 68 RBIs. The RBI total was relatively low because he spent a good part of the season batting leadoff. The home runs were a pleasant surprise and eventually Conforto will be a .300 hitter; a June slump dragged his average down.

Still, Michael Conforto is the future of the Mets and with the way things look now, it is nice to be able to look towards a brighter future.