Michael Conforto is aiming to secure a place on the Chicago Cubs’ opening day roster after signing a minor league contract earlier this week. On his 33rd birthday, Conforto made his first spring training appearance, playing right field and going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and one walk, as he competes to be the team’s fourth or fifth outfielder.
More opportunities for playing time are expected as key outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong are temporarily absent, attending the World Baseball Classic. This will allow Conforto valuable at-bats, but regaining his offensive form remains a critical challenge.
Assessing Conforto’s Journey to Reclaim a Starting Role
After a difficult season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he posted a career-worst .199/.305/.333 slash line and hit 12 home runs with 36 RBI, Conforto is determined to bounce back. His offensive struggles led to exclusion from the Dodgers’ postseason roster despite earning a World Series ring, which he admitted he felt he didn’t fully deserve.
In reflecting on his downturn, Conforto acknowledged personal responsibility, saying,
“Along the way, I lost the discipline in my routine and the things that really prompted the Dodgers to sign me. I kind of got away from that stuff and started trying to make adjustments in-season, [which] is never a good place to be.”
—Michael Conforto, Cubs outfielder
Historically, Conforto has been a consistent contributor, maintaining a career slash of .245/.343/.442 since his 2015 debut with the New York Mets. His durability is notable, having played at least 109 games in full seasons and appearing in over 125 games in his last four campaigns.
Chicago Cubs’ Outfield Projection and Conforto’s Competition
The Cubs’ starting outfield for the upcoming season appears set, with Ian Happ expected to anchor left field, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center, and Seiya Suzuki patrolling right field. Matt Shaw continues to develop as a versatile super-utility option, capable of backing up all outfield positions. Other rostered outfield depth includes Kevin Alcántara and Justin Dean.
To earn a roster spot, Conforto must prove his offensive value to the Cubs and persuade the organization to allocate one of the 40-man and 26-man roster positions to him. This will necessitate either optioning an existing player to the minors or risking a player’s loss through designation for assignment.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead for Conforto and the Cubs
The Cubs are focused on more than just reaching the playoffs; their ambition is to reach the World Series, mirroring the Dodgers’ success from the previous year. Should Conforto make the team and Chicago advance deep into the postseason, he hopes to play a more impactful role in 2026, contrasting with his limited participation in last year’s championship run.
