Outfielder Michael Conforto has agreed to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, accompanied by an invitation to participate in major league spring training. The move, announced ahead of the 2024 season, positions Conforto to compete for a backup outfield role as he aims to regain his prior form.
Recent Struggles and Career Context
Conforto, who turns 33 on Sunday, experienced a difficult 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a one-year, $17 million deal. He posted a career-low batting average of .199, with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs across 138 games, and was notably not utilized during the Dodgers’ postseason run to the World Series title.
Prior to that, Conforto had spent time with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. His career highlights include a breakout 2017 season as an All-Star with the Mets, batting .279 with 27 home runs and 68 RBIs. In 2019, he set personal bests of 33 homers and 92 RBIs. After undergoing shoulder surgery in 2022, he returned to hit .237 with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs in 2024 while with the Giants.
Competition for Outfield Reserve Roles at Cubs Camp
Joining Conforto in the battle for reserve outfield spots are several players, including veterans Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson, both invited on minor league deals. Prospects Kevin Alcántara and Matt Shaw, the latter expected to serve in a super-utility role that includes outfield time, also factor into the mix. Everyday outfield positions are primarily occupied by Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki, with Suzuki also slated to serve mostly as the designated hitter.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the value of Conforto’s left-handed batting in the team’s strategy. Counsell noted,
“Michael had a down year last year, but has been a good player in this league for quite a while,”
and added,
“Sometimes when you sign guys, it’s like where is the opportunity here, and then we show up in five days and there’s a big opportunity. So that’s how you look at this.”
Manager Craig Counsell on Conforto’s Potential Role
Counsell further underscored the importance of adding a left-handed bat off the bench, saying,
“I think that’s a real thing, for sure,”
and explaining,
“I think it’s an area that, I think we have that in our primary lineup, but kind of after that group, it was a place where we felt a little light.”
The Cubs see Conforto as a player with prior success who could provide valuable depth if he returns to form. Counsell remarked,
“He’s a player that’s had a lot of success in this league, and if he can recapture some of that, we’re going to have a useful player.”
Conforto’s Career and Future Outlook with Cubs
Originally selected by the New York Mets as the 10th overall pick in the 2014 amateur draft, Conforto made his major league debut in 2015. Over 10 seasons in the majors, he holds a career batting average of .245 with 179 home runs and 556 RBIs.
Now joining the Cubs’ organization, Conforto enters a competitive environment where his experience and left-handed hitting profile could earn him playing time. As the Cubs prepare for spring training and the upcoming season, his performance in camp will determine how significant a role he will claim within their outfield group and bench rotation.
