In their run to the World Series in 2015, the New York Mets’ campaign was facilitated by unbelievable pitching and streaky hitters that were able to carry the workload. Michael Conforto was one of those hitters. His best month came in August of that year, where he batted .317 with a .405 on base percentage and a .603 slugging percentage over 23 games.

Conforto followed up with a lack-luster season in 2016 that often saw him demoted and recalled to and from the major leagues. He was replaced by the big 3 of Yoenis Cespedes, Curtis Granderson, and Jay Bruce.

Now, Conforto is starting to make a case to stay in the majors, and even take a starting spot in the outfield. He is 5 for 12 through his first 8 games in a crowded outfield, and has 4 RBIs and 2 home runs.

The problem with the Mets outfield is there are too many pieces to fit in the puzzle. Cespedes, Granderson and Bruce are the obvious starters, then comes Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto as a fourth and fifth outfielder. Bruce and Granderson were shopped on the trade market for most of the off-season, but no deal was able to be made.

This is a complication because Conforto’s only use is as an outfielder or hitter, so the Mets have to use his spot in place of an infielder or relief pitching spot.

Who would Conforto replace? The only option seems to be Curtis Granderson. Granderson is coming off a year where he hit 30 home runs in 2016, but saw decreases in batting average, hits, slugging and on base percentage from 2015.

Cespedes is out of the question, he is the highest paid Met, and has 6 home runs in just 10 games this season. Jay Bruce also jumped out of the gate with 12 hits in 40 at bats, with four of those being home runs.

It seems as through the Mets will be keeping Conforto as them optioned infielder T.J. Rivera to the minors in place of relief pitcher Sean Gilmartin.