Report: Blue Jays Pursuing Michael Conforto

The Blue Jays are among three clubs interested in Michael Conforto, reports The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins stated early Monday afternoon that his team is looking to add offense, specifically a left-handed hitting outfielder. It appears the wheels are already in motion for a potential free-agent signing.

Toronto is among the teams with interest in outfielder Michael Conforto, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Mets and Rangers are reportedly also vying for the 29-year-old's services. 

Conforto, who is represented by MLB super-agent Scott Boras, missed all of 2022 after undergoing right shoulder surgery last April. As Conforto worked his way back into shape, talk of a possible return to a competitor fueled the speculation.

Right now, Rosenthal reports that clubs have some concerns about Conforto's arm strength, as he last played an inning of major-league defense on October 3, 2021, with the Mets. According to Boras, Conforto is ahead of schedule in long-tossing at 150 feet.

If Conforto's arm can't hold up, he could be relegated to a full-time designated hitter role, which would soften his market, writes Rosenthal.

When healthy, Conforto is excellent. He's left-handed, boasts above-average on-base skills, and has a career .824 OPS. A vintage-form Conforto would cement the Blue Jays' status as one of the best-hitting teams in baseball. 

Elsewhere in Rosenthal's report, he confirmed the Blue Jays were among the finalists for Michael Brantley before the switch-hitter re-upped with the Astros on a one-year deal.