WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Michael Conforto had already played and hit well in a World Series when he arrived to spring training in 2016, had a dreadful camp and went on to have a disappointing season.
“After having that big World Series year, I came in like I had earned a spot and was going through the motions,’’ Conforto said Monday in Port St. Lucie. “That obviously didn’t prepare me well enough for that season. It’s one of the lessons I’ve learned and one of the things I try to make sure no other young prospects do.”
Although Pete Alonso has yet to make his debut in the majors, he is the latest top Mets prospect knocking on the door — and Conforto has liked what he’s seen.
“He seems to handle expectations really well,’’ Conforto said. “He came into camp in really good shape and has worked hard. He seems hungry to be here.’’
Alonso helped his cause in the Mets’ 7-4 split-squad win against Houston at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, where he doubled in the fourth and hit his second homer of the spring in the sixth — both on two-strike counts.
Michael ConfortoAnthony J. Causi“I’m a big guy, so what I want to do well is feel like I’m dangerous in every count,’’ Alonso said. “No matter what count I’m in, I can still get a good ‘A’ swing off. I still choke up with two strikes just to remind myself that I need to stay short, but I don’t necessarily swing less hard. I don’t give up. I don’t want to be defensive. I feel like if I’m defensive then I get caught between pitches.’’
Travis d’Arnaud, serving as the designated hitter in his second game back since recovering from Tommy John surgery in April 2018, called Alonso “a bright hitter.’’
“We all talk about his power, but he’s a smart hitter, too,’’ said d’Arnaud, who scored from first on Alonso’s double. “In between every at-bat, he’s talking to all the guys about what they saw or what he felt like he did wrong and their approach against certain guys.”
Alonso’s solid start to the Grapefruit League season will serve him well, especially since Dominic Smith, also trying to win the first-base spot, had his second straight strong day at the plate with two more hits — including a double in the other squad’s 9-3 loss to Boston at First Data Field.
Smith is now 10-for-20 this spring, while Alonso is 7-for-17 with a pair of doubles and two homers.
“Both of us are trying to make a team, simple as that,’’ Alonso said. “Competition’s a good thing. I’m happy he’s having a good spring. I like Dom. He’s a pretty cool guy. I want him to play well. I just focus on me and put blinders on.’’
That approach has served Alonso well so far. He just turned 24 and is coming off a season in which he hit 36 homers in a minor league year split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas.
J.D. Davis and Todd Frazier — when he’s healthy — could also factor into the first-base competition, but Alonso’s bat could set him apart, if his glove is steady enough.
He wasn’t tested in the field Monday, but Alonso’s work continues there. His mindset at the plate remains straightforward.
“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel,’’ Alonso said. “Just keep it simple and stay consistent, stay level. I want be in charge of the at-bat. … Every once in a while I’ll swing at a bad pitch, but I’m happy with my plate discipline.”
“He’s got tremendous pop,’’ said the 26-year-old Conforto, who made the leap from prospect to standout in 2017. “His swing path and balance are great. All of us older guys want him to succeed and we keep an eye on him to make sure his head is right. Time will tell how it turns out, but he looks good so far.’’
