Chicago Cubs: surprising All-Star candidate revealed in latest MLB power rankings

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Chicago Cubs: surprising All-Star candidate revealed in latest MLB power rankings

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Jun 8, 2026 9:59 AM ET

How long has it been since the Chicago Cubs won a series? One would have to go back over a month to May 7, when the Cubs completed a four-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds, to find it. Since then, Chicago has gone 0-8-1 in series, with their only split coming at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates a week and a half ago.

Currently, the Cubs are 34-32 and in fourth place in the National League Central Division. For whatever reason, they have not been able to play consistent baseball, despite the fact that their roster is composed of All-Star caliber players.

As the Mid-summer Classic approaches, there are any number of players that could be voted in or selected if they can snap out of their slumps. Michael Conforto, though, has been identified as the most “fun” Cubs player fans can select.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Michael Conforto named most “fun” All-Star candidate

May 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Michael Conforto (20) hits a game winning solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Let’s face it: the most obvious choice of any one player to represent the Cubs in the All-Star Game currently is Pete Crow-Armstrong, especially considering how well he has been hitting as of late.

However, MLB’s latest power rankings identified the most “fun” player on each team that fans could vote for, and Conforto was their choice for Chicago:

“It wasn’t clear he was even going to make the team out of Spring Training, but it turns out that Michael Conforto has been a life-saver for the Cubs. He’s having his best season since the last (and only) time he made an All-Star team … in 2017.”

In 42 games played this season, Conforto is hitting .250/.356/.489 with four home runs and 13 RBI. These are far from All-Star numbers, but they are his best since 2017. The problem, though, is that Conforto is used primarily as a platoon player, hitting almost strictly against right-handed pitchers. He has 100 plate appearances against them compared to just four against left-handed pitchers.

The Cubs, by the way, fell to 12th in MLB’s power rankings, down one spot from where they were last week. They have a series coming up against the lowly Colorado Rockies, so hopefully they can finally win a series and turn the vibes in the clubhouse around.

Unfortunately, they are still going to have to overcome the challenges presented to them by injuries to their starting pitching rotation.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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