Cubs Sign Michael Conforto: Veteran Bat Boosts 2026 Outfield

This article breaks down the Chicago Cubs’ signing of outfielder Michael Conforto to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. It covers the financial structure of the deal and what it might mean for the Cubs’ outfield and roster competition as they get ready for the season.

Contract Details and what they signal

The Cubs signed Conforto to a minor-league contract. He’ll earn a guaranteed $2 million if he makes the big league roster, plus there are some performance bonuses in there too, though the exact details haven’t been announced.

Conforto is 33 now, a veteran with a decade in MLB. He once looked like a future star, especially after his All-Star nod in 2017.

This deal feels like a classic low-risk, high-reward move for Chicago. They’ll see what he’s got in spring training and maybe, just maybe, he’ll tap back into that late-career spark.

Conforto started his career strong, hitting about .259/.358/.484 with a 128 wRC+ over his first six seasons. Then came the shoulder surgery, which wiped out his entire 2022 season.

Since then, he’s been closer to league average. With the Giants and Dodgers the last three years, he hit .225/.316/.390 (98 wRC+).

Last year with the Dodgers was rough: .199/.305/.333, an 83 wRC+, and his power just disappeared (.138 ISO). He struck out a lot, too—nearly 25% of the time.

The struggles got so bad that the Dodgers left him off their postseason roster during their World Series run.

Conforto’s career arc and current form

Early on, Conforto looked like a guy who could drive in runs and hit for power. The last few years have really tested that reputation, especially after the shoulder issues.

Even with the downturn, he’s still got a reputation for handling big moments. The Cubs are hoping he can find some of that old pop and discipline at the plate again.

The Cubs’ outfield puzzle and Conforto’s path to the roster

The Cubs already have a packed outfield. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are pretty much locked in at the corners.

Center field? That’s probably Pete Crow-Armstrong’s spot, at least for some of the time.

Conforto’s best shot to make the team is as the primary designated hitter, with some occasional time in the corners. But he’s not the only one in the running—top prospect Moises Ballesteros made some noise last year, hitting .298/.394/.474 in just 57 plate appearances.

If Conforto finds that old power and gets his strike-zone judgment back, he could play a real role and maybe even force some tough choices. If not, he’s probably a depth piece or bench bat.

In that case, he’ll be fighting for at-bats with veterans like Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick, both of whom can fill in as outfield depth or step up when injuries hit.

Moises Ballesteros vs. Conforto: a major decision point for the Cubs

Ballesteros has a strong minor-league track record and got some triple-A time in 2024-25, making things interesting for the Cubs’ plans. If Conforto looks like his old self, maybe the Cubs lean on him early in the season.

Otherwise, Ballesteros’ right-handed bat and defensive flexibility could push the team toward a younger, more traditional roster. The front office has some tough calls ahead as they balance veteran depth with long-term development, and spring training should bring some real competition for those bench and DH spots.

What this signing could mean for Chicago’s season outlook

For fans and evaluators, the Conforto move is a reminder that the Cubs want to balance budget flexibility with adding veteran presence and potential upside. They’re going for relatively low risk here.

If Conforto finds his earlier form again, Chicago could really benefit from a cost-controlled outfielder who can shift between the corners and take DH reps in a mixed lineup. If he doesn’t, well, the signing still gives them depth and a veteran voice—plus maybe some bullpen-friendly pops of power here and there.

This approach fits into a bigger plan: bring in a cheap external option to support a wave of young talent already in-house. The front office wants to keep flexibility and tweak the roster as the season goes on.

Cubs fans should probably watch spring performances pretty closely. Conforto’s readiness—and honestly, Ballesteros’ development too—might shape whether this move turns into a sneaky win or just a well-timed depth play that helps Chicago get through a tough schedule.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs To Sign Michael Conforto