Potential Michael Conforto, Scott Boras on Mets Expansion

New York-For years, Michael Conforto has been openly discussing his desire to talk to Mets about long-term extensions. Mets has also shown a willingness to chat with outfielders under new owner Steve Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson.Both sides may have to wait

New York-for years Michael Comfort He openly discussed his desire to talk to Mets about the long-term extension. Mets has also shown a willingness to chat with outfielders under new owner Steve Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson.

Both sides may have to wait a little longer. Comfort’s agent Scott Boras said Tuesday that he did not expect contract negotiations to begin until both sides began arbitration negotiations. Arbitration negotiations usually do not take place until early January.

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“Usually, if there are players in arbitration, we will prepare for explicit negotiations,” Boras said. “Sandy [general manager] Jared [Porter] I want to do it, but they will let us know later in the process, so that’s what I have to leave to them. “

It is not yet known if long-term transactions will be realized. With a year left to reach the free agent, the comfort is far less than usual, but it’s definitely the end of his best season as a big leaguer. He hit .322 / .412 / .927 with 9 home runs and 31 RBIs in 54 games last season, establishing himself as one of the top batters with a significantly improved attack.

“Everyone always says Scott is a freelance tycoon and he’s a big fan of it, but Scott … obviously is the best he feels he has as a player and for my career. Gives me some advice, “Comfort said in February. “Ultimately, that’s my decision. I think it’s a bit of a misunderstanding about Scott and his clients. He wants the best for us. He wants us his best. I’ll give you some advice, but at the end of the day he will tell you, “That’s my client’s decision.” “

A Recent MLB.com Survey The comfort extension suggested that it could cost about $ 115- $ 125 million in six seasons, in addition to other roster upgrades that Mets still plans to do.Already in the first offseason under Cohen, Mets committed a total of $ 56.1 million Rescue Trevor May And Catcher James McCann.. Larger contracts may come as Mets pursues rotation and outfield upgrades. Probably shopping near the top Of both markets.

But comfort is a fan favorite, perhaps Queens’ most aggressive player, and the cornerstone of the franchise. Borås talked about Comfort’s desire to play for the winning team by playing only once in the last four seasons. Taking advantage of his long history of food metaphors when discussing Mets, he called Comfort “extremely encouraged” by changing this off-season under Mets’ leadership.

“It’s great to own a big apple,” Boras said. “I think the Mets are now shopping in the organic produce aisle looking for that special Melissa Mets delicious apple, and I don’t think this apple contains worms, so Michael I’m pretty excited about what happens at the New York Mets. “