Michael Conforto, a free-agent outfielder, has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Monday. At 32 years old, Conforto will need to demonstrate his value during spring training to secure a spot on the Cubs’ major league roster.
Conforto’s Recent Performance and Career Overview
Conforto’s most productive years came early in his career with the New York Mets, where from 2017 to 2020 he maintained an impressive .864 OPS and accumulated 12.2 wins above replacement (WAR) according to Baseball-Reference. However, since 2021, his offensive output has declined, with his batting average not rising above .239 and an OPS-plus that has stayed below 100. Over the last three seasons, Conforto has hit a total of 47 home runs while playing for the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers before entering free agency.
Last season, Conforto struggled with the Dodgers, hitting just .199, which puts additional pressure on him to prove his capabilities to the Cubs during the upcoming spring training period.
Competition for Outfield Positions on Cubs’ Roster
The Cubs’ outfield roster remains crowded as minor league invitees include players like Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick. The team is focused on determining the best lineup as it approaches camp, with an emphasis on finding a reliable backup for center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Notably, Crow-Armstrong and right fielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki will be temporarily absent during spring training as they participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), paving the way for non-roster players such as Conforto to earn opportunities.
Conforto’s Career Achievements and Expectations
Throughout his career, Conforto has accumulated 179 home runs alongside 23 stolen bases, with a lifetime OPS-plus of 115, showcasing his ability to contribute both power and speed. The Cubs’ decision to sign him represents a potential boost in outfield depth as they aim to strengthen their team ahead of the regular season.
This signing was first reported by MLB Network and now awaits Conforto’s performance at spring training to determine whether he can return to his earlier form and help the Cubs compete in 2026.
