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Cubs Create New Position Battle With Signing on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 12:41 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs and outfielder Michael Conforto reportedly agreed to a contract on Monday, per MLB insider Jon Heyman. Conforto, 32, brings veteran prowess to Chicago.

The left-handed hitter was an All-Star back in 2017 with the New York Mets. He has struggled in recent years, however. His 2025 performance was especially concerning, as Conforto slashed just .199/.305/.333 across 138 games played with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nevertheless, Chicago is going to give him an opportunity this spring.

The Cubs' starting outfield is already set with Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ handling duties from right to left field. Conforto may find himself competing for a backup outfielder role in Chicago. He could also be a candidate to earn the designated hitter job, but Cubs' No. 1 overall prospect Moises Ballesteros will also be in consideration to be the 2026 DH.

In other words, Conforto is not a lock to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. If he enjoys a good spring training, one has to imagine Chicago will keep him around as a fourth or fifth outfielder at the very least.

What Michael Conforto Brings to Cubs

Jul 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Michael Conforto (23) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Conforto provides the Cubs with a veteran left-handed bat who can handle outfield duties at either corner spot. Why even take a chance on a guy who hit .199 a season ago, though?

Conforto has a proven track record against right-handed pitching. For his career, he holds a .249/.351/.460 slash line against right-handers. He's also hit 142 of his 179 career home runs against right-handed pitchers.

2025 may have an outlier. Conforto was surprisingly bad against right-handers, hitting just .190 with a .615 OPS across 408 plate appearances. Meanwhile, he hit .246 with a .756 OPS in 78 plate appearances against southpaws. It was a surprising overall performance for the left-handed slugger.

In all reality, Conforto's strength still stems from his ability to hit against right-handed pitching, but his 2025 numbers are something to remember heading into the new campaign. Overall, the Conforto signing represents a low-risk but potentially high reward for the Cubs. If he bounces back, the outfielder will provide valuable left-handed power while giving the ball club crucial outfield depth.

With all of that being said, Michael Conforto will still have to battle for a role in spring training.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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