Conforto joins Giants, already feels connection with team

By SONJA CHEN The Associated Press

FILE - New York Mets' Michael Conforto takes an at-bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sept. 30, 2021, in New York. Conforto has agreed to a $36 million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, a deal that includes an opt out after the first season, a person with direct knowledge of the pact said Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract requires a successful physical to be finalized. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Frank Franklin II]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Giants had been on Michael Conforto’s radar for a while prior to his signing a $36 million, two-year deal to play in San Francisco. Conforto grew up admiring several members of the Giants organization, including Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner and Tim Lincecum. Conforto bolsters San Francisco’s revamped outfield, which features fellow newcomer Mitch Haniger as well as the returning Mike Yastrzemski. Most of all, Conforto is eager to get back on a major league field after missing all of 2022 after undergoing right shoulder surgery.