White Sox Interested in Michael Conforto This Offseason

This article digs into the Chicago White Sox’s reported interest in free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto. Conforto, a former All-Star, has seen his career zigzag a bit over the last few years.

He was once a core bat for the New York Mets. Now, after a rough season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, some underlying numbers suggest he might still have something in the tank.

The White Sox are rebuilding, so the real question is whether Conforto is a smart, low-risk bet who could flip for value at the trade deadline.

White Sox Monitoring Michael Conforto as Buy-Low Candidate

Jon Heyman reports that the White Sox have at least checked in on Conforto. They’re looking to add a veteran bat to a roster that’s still very much in flux.

No one expects Chicago to contend right away. That’s why these speculative signings are so common for teams in transition.

Conforto turns 33 in March. While his best seasons are probably behind him, experienced hitters often find ways to help stabilize a lineup or rebuild their own value.

For the White Sox, this isn’t about winning right now. It’s about finding upside and keeping their options open.

A Look Back at Conforto’s Peak Years

At his best, Conforto was one of the NL’s most reliable corner outfielders. Between 2017 and 2020 with the Mets, he put up a strong .259/.358/.484 slash line and a 128 wRC+.

He delivered 30-homer power in a pitcher-friendly park and became a real middle-of-the-order threat. That run earned him an All-Star nod.

But shoulder surgery wiped out his entire 2022 season. Since then, his career’s been tough to predict.

Recent Performance Raises Questions—and Hope

Conforto’s two years with the San Francisco Giants were a mixed bag. In 2023, he was basically league-average.

In his second year, though, he bounced back with 20 home runs and a wRC+ 12% above league average. That late push got the Dodgers to give him a one-year, $17 million shot for 2025.

The gamble didn’t pay off.

Dodgers Tenure Falls Flat

With the Dodgers, Conforto hit just .199/.305/.333, ending up with an 83 wRC+. He couldn’t find much hard contact and missed out on the Dodgers’ playoff roster.

That’s a tough pill for a veteran on a prove-it deal. Still, the underlying numbers aren’t all doom and gloom.

Advanced Metrics Suggest Rebound Potential

Despite the rough surface stats, some indicators hint at better days ahead. Conforto kept an 11.5% walk rate and a 24.9% strikeout rate, both right around his career marks.

His .247 BABIP was unusually low, which might mean he just ran into some bad luck.

Statcast Profile: Not Elite, but Serviceable

Statcast tells us he’s not fallen off a cliff:

Those aren’t superstar numbers, but they’re respectable. Maybe all he needs is a new environment.

How Conforto Fits the White Sox Roster

Chicago’s outfield right now features Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Benintendi. Either could move or rotate through DH.

Guys like Brooks Baldwin, Tristan Peters, Derek Hill, and Everson Pereira are depth options, but none have proven much in the majors yet.

Conforto could slide in as a short-term regular, help mentor young players, and—if things break right—become a trade chip at the deadline. That’s not a bad swing for a team in the White Sox’s spot, is it?

Free-Agent Market Makes Conforto Appealing

With Kyle Tucker off the market and Cody Bellinger headlining the top tier of outfield free agents, there’s a noticeable drop-off.

The next group includes players like Harrison Bader, Mike Tauchman, Austin Hays, Miguel Andujar—and Conforto.

For the White Sox, Conforto looks like a logical, low-commitment option.

He’s a veteran bat with a track record, something to prove, and just enough upside to make the gamble feel worthwhile.

 
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