The Cubs reached agreement with outfielder Michael Conforto, as first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. It’s a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. Conforto, who is represented by the Boras Corporation, will make $2MM if his contract is selected, per Fabian Ardaya and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. There are also unspecified performance bonuses in the deal.
Conforto, 33 next month, is a veteran of ten MLB seasons at this point. A former top ten pick in the draft and top 100 prospect, Conforto was an All-Star in 2017 and hit .259/.358/.484 (128 wRC+) through his first six seasons in the majors. Things took a turn for the veteran from there, however. His 2021 season was only pedestrian (104 wRC+), and his 2022 campaign was lost to shoulder surgery. Since returning, he’s stayed at that roughly league average level overall. He’s hit .225/.316/.390 with a 98 wRC+ across three seasons with the Giants and Dodgers, but last year in L.A. was the worst season of his career to this point.
In 138 games for the Dodgers, Conforto hit just .199/.3o5/.333 with a wRC+ of 83. He was well below replacement level according to both Fangraphs and Baseball Reference in terms of WAR, he posted the weakest power production (.138 ISO) of his career, and his strikeout rate jumped to 24.9% for the first time since 2018. It was a brutal season overall, and things got bad enough that Conforto wound up being left off L.A.’s playoff rosters entirely during the World Series run. After returning to free agency this offseason, Conforto found minimal interest across the league until the calendar had already flipped to 2026. As Spring Training drew near, teams like the White Sox and Astros expressed interest in Conforto’s services, but the Cubs had not been connected to him before today’s news.
On the Cubs, Conforto seems more or less blocked without an injury. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are sure to be tapped to handle the outfield corners, and even if Conforto is still capable of handling center field (a position he hasn’t played since 2019) superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong is sure to get regular reps at the position. Conforto’s best hope of making the roster would be as the team’s primary DH who could rotate through the outfield corners to get Happ and Suzuki off their feet. He’ll face stiff competition from top prospect Moises Ballesteros for that top DH job, however. Ballesteros hit an excellent .298/.394/.474 in his first taste of big league action last year, and while that came in just 57 trips to the plate it was still a strong enough showing to warrant a larger look this year.
It’s certainly not impossible that Conforto could rediscover the combination of power and discipline that made him an effective big league hitter, and if he does so he could challenge Ballesteros for the DH job. That could be particularly appealing for the Cubs if they want to continue developing Ballesteros as a catcher, given that the team’s starting tandem of Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya leaves little room for Ballesteros to get a look behind the plate in the majors at this point. Failing that, he’ll compete this spring for a bench job against the likes of Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick. Conforto has the most success at the big league level of that trio, but also would likely be the most stretched defensively as a center fielder.
Wow.
Wow?
Lol
Wow!
More like, Why?
@CubsW: It’s a minor league contract to give your Cubs depth in case of injuries…..
Yep, thanks. My post was before the update.clarifying it was a minor league option.
Depth plus Moises Ballesteros was late into camp due to visa issues. He may need to start season in AAA to get up to speed and also to continue getting some reps behind the plate. There is a path to some playing time for Conforto.
They have Shaw, Austin, Kevin Alcantara, McCormick, and Dylan Carlson. Why Conforto except to get the kids to be nervous during ST? I guess if McCormick and Carlson might opt out if they miss the roster and Conforto is willing to wait in the minors for an injury opening…
Probably a high-end Triple-A deal with 30 days added on if he gets released mid-season, and a mild payday only if he gets promoted to the 26 man roster.
Likely doesn’t go against the CBT level unless he gets added to tge MLB roster.
There maybe a path, but is Conforto really the one you want taking that stroll? Its been 5 years since he was productive.
Work release after 30 days; does he go on parole thereafter?
He won’t go to AAA with the Cubs.
He may not go to AAA but time served with the Cubs may send him to AA. Too much drinky
Conforto makes the 4th veteran OF who can’t hit in camp for a tryout, and I don’t want any of them on the bench come April. And yes, I totally understand the limited risk/investment.
I agree with you that I do not want Carlson, McCormick or Conforto on the Opening Fay bench, but I am ok with one or more of them as minor league depth for injuries.
I would like to see Shaw, Ballesteros, Austin and Alcantara all make the Opening Day roster. If Alcantara is the one starting in the minors, the. It needs to be Carlson or NcCormick, because Austin and Conforto cannot play CF.
@Commentor: So far, Austin seems to be a kind of mythic presence, like Boo Radley. Is he even in camp? I suspect he will not be a factor.
I will wait a couple days to see
Puts them over the top.
Ok, Jesse Rogers update just realigned the planets. It’s a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp. That makes MUCH more sense.
Not sure what’s more annoying wow or first.
Idiots with nothing to say still have to say something to get the attention they crave.
Zero of them will be willing to humiliate themselves or admit to it if they’re wrong.
70/30 w/ first being the “winner” On certain rare transactions, wow could be acceptable, but only if followed by a sentence or two
Trash.
Meh.. Depends on what the deal is, right? Apparently they think they still need outfield/bench depth. He was decent last year at the plate and can hit LHP. There’s nothing to lose here..
I agree it’s likely a low risk, potential reward situation if the price is right, but calling 199/305/333 decent at the plate is a HUGE overstatement
It gives them no Conforto for sure.
Let me clarify. No, the overall batting line is not good but oddly he hase has hit LHP well the last 2 seasons.
Low risk, for a low reward. Can it really be called a reward?
Did you say he was decent last year at the plate? Maybe his dinner plate
Odd signing. It would make more sense on a minor league deal.
Jeremiah Johnson or Zach Galifinakis?
Greenhorn forever….
Good luck to him and his family
Good luck. Have fun. Don’t die
@Theo
That should be on a T shirt or a bumper sticker.
Well that’s a new movie title so it probably already is.
Be safe
For the Cubs, adding a journeyman corner OF bat is a significant move.
Explain
No need to explain…we all know Cubs 25th or 26th man is far more significant than someone that would be a middle of the order starter for the ChiSox.
“We” all know. You and all the imaginary friends attending the tea party in the basement,
So happy MLBTR keeps you Sox fans away from the unemployment line.
A fan of the poorest organization in professional sports talking smack about someone’s income potential. Oh, the irony.
I get it… life as a crash test dummy can be hard on the noggin. This one went over your head. And that’s ok.
The Cubs have made a lot of moves this winter though, this is just depth.
What makes you believe this is a significant move for the cubs?
His handle spells out his disdain.
A good addition for the bench.
Flags fly forever
I guess Dana Brown is happy with our roster.
This would have made more sense for the Indians or Royals.
Cleveland “Guardians” needs an over the hill, washed up, over priced left hand hitting has been?
Inf
Another fan who seems like they hate the players
Or who just likes to insult people
Either way, muted
How is someone “overpriced” on a minor league deal? Cope
You hurt Jazzy’s feelings
How much money did Boras cost him?
Was curious and went and searched. He was offered 100m that could have gone as high as 120m prior to the 2021 season. He made 65m since then even though he was not on any team in 2022 after having surgery.
He’s actually done pretty good considering in 2021 he was not good, only a 100 OPS+ hitter, .5 bWAR in 125 games with the Mets, then missed 2022, and managed to get 17-18m each of the following three seasons.
None. Conforto is not a player you can build with. He is not a league average for a starting corner outfielder, so he is not even a stopgap player. He is a fill in when the plan B doesn’t work.
But he used to be.
Father Time is undefeated. Conforto had his one glory days year in 23 after some down years. Give him credit and hope as he keeps trying to play.
You mean how much money did Conforto cost himself. The player makes the decision. The agent only advises. None of us have any idea what Boras advised in that situation.
Roster Resource has Kevin Alcantara with an option year remaining so the Cubs are certainly holding a competition for that fourth outfield spot. (Carlson, McCormick, Conforto).
Remember what team you’re talking about. The others are on minor league deals. This is a major league deal. He’s made the team.
Terms of the deal not yet released, but I do think it’s probably an MLB Deal
Minor league contract with invite to camp.
BigBopper—-even if it were a major league deal—he hasn’t made the team.
Right now it seems like a four man competition for the last outfield spot.
Alcantara has an option year left.
Of the other three, Carlson and Conforto do hit left handed. Seems that Shaw, Kelly/Amaya, and Austin are all right handed bats.
Those first 2 names can at least play CF. Makes me think they may want Ballasteros playing a position every day in AAA.
Ballesteros was more productive as a hitter than Tucker at the end of last season. He’s a pure hitter with very little defensive value anywhere. He doesn’t have much left to prove in the minors, even as a 22 year old, and he looks ready to step in full time at the MLB level. It makes more sense to make him the everyday DH, and ride with Happ/PCA/Suzuki in the outfield. I think these minor deals for Carlson, McCormick and Conforto are likely for the fourth outfielder/pinch hitter bench role. Conforto would be less ideal as a fourth outfielder (as you mentioned) because I don’t think he can play center anymore. Then again, maybe they are just insurance in case one of the young guys shows major regression, or someone gets hurt in the WBC.
Michael Conforto: mom says “we have Kyle Tucker at home.”
what’s funny is what with Olympics wrapping Michael’s mom back home in Seattle is an Olympic medalist, in sync. swimming big star back in 80’s and 90’s. His fam very athletic, dad was star athlete, Mom an Olympic.
Tracy Ruiz- Conforto is his mother.
Meanwhile, his cousin, Mike Pillowforto, peeks out to make sure all is clear.
It was worth a shot
Proforto would have been better
It is Monday morning hopefully you are at your job today?
Cubs needed a cf not a corner of.
Alcantara can play CF, but no way they can keep him and Shaw and Ballesteros now.
What happened to PCA?
It’s implied that HHH meant a backup CF
They are looking for a LH bench bat. He will be battling Carlson for the final spot imo. Shaw, Austin, Ballestros plus Carlson or Conforto. Or Ballestros goes to minors and they keep both
Some players are more than certain to rake in Wrigley Field given the venue versus other places. Maybe he can turn it around.
Hope isn’t a strategy
More like nope
Thank god. I thought Astros were going to sign him
So thirsty and transparent… why even bother posting this comment? You do realize it’s a minor league deal? Goof
Thirsty and transparent cuz I’m happy a player went to th cubs and not my favorite team? Weird
YAAS!! Cubs are WS bound for sure!
Dang. From $17M AAV to a minor league deal. Who was the last player to have that precipitous of a drop in salary?
Walker Buehler from a week ago. He went from 21m to a minor league deal.
Bellinger redux. And he will probably outperform Belliache in 2026. Because he’s on a better team.
FGDC projections
PLAYER wRC+ WAR/PA
Ballesteros 106 0.6/368
Conforto 100 0.5/294
Good move. Conforto is only one year removed from being a contributor, and there is a good chance they need a lefty OF.
You mean a “backup” lefty OF, right? See what I just did there?
Conforto is cooked. Pete Crow-Armstrong is a superstar? Pretty sure superstars don’t disappear the last half of the season like he did last year. Thinking he still has a lot to prove to achieve “superstar” status.
6.0 WAR is usually the bar a player has to cross to be called a superstar. PCA had a 6 WAR. Personally I would wait until he repeats that level or at least comes close before using that description of him.
Well no deal for the Astros.
Dana and Espada their jobs are on the line. Dana the scout who knows nothing really about being a GM. Espada who is bench coach or less at least. Does not know how to make out a lineup. Much less how to use his pitching staff. Why so many injuries last season.
But again Dana must be happy with Cole, Cam, Dezenzo, Trammell, Loperfido and perhaps Matthews thrown into the mix if not playing 2B or such. Jake is the only outfielder really set.
Paredes is going to be the PH when we need a run in from 3B or even 2B.
But good luck on the Cubs.
Why?
Minor league depth, so whatever.
More like spring training depth. He’ll be a free agent again when he doesn’t make the team outta camp…..
Conforto might need to make a trip to Japan at this point…
Meh at best. But not more meh than signing Tyler Austin, who has not played in a S-T game yet and seems to be something of a man of mystery. My guess is that Austin will be cut to make room for Conforto and Carlson, who with Shaw and Kelly will be the bench. Ballesteros could still make the team as primary DH. Alcantara will start the season in Iowa, or he might be DFA’d if a 40-man spot is needed. I get the feeling Alcantara’s days with the Cubs are numbered
The fourth option saves Alcantara, along with the fact that the rest of the Iowa outfield is trash.
I think Hoyers doing Boras a solid
Give him a little exposure while Suzuki is at the WBC, since we really don’t need to see Justin Dean start games and Carlson and McCormick can alternate starts in CF while PCA is at the WBC. Insurance against a Happ or Suzuki injury. Maybe he agrees to go to Iowa for a month like David Peralta did.
Sounds like a more of a clubhouse move (veteran leadership) than high expectations for on-field performance. Depth piece. Could do worse for a reserve LF / backup DH. Contract is probably something minimal; 1 year/$1M at best. If it’s even a guaranteed big league deal.
Frankly, I’m surprised Wilmer Flores hasn’t signed anywhere yet. He had a better season last year, a better track record over the last 3 years, and is a superb teammate. Flores is far from starting caliber, but always gives a smart competitive at bat, knows how to find those clutch RBI’s, and could add to almost any MLB team as their 25th man. I’m thinking teams like the Twins, Angels, Rockies, White Sox, Nats would all benefit from his addition.
You know what a clubhouse presence is? Someone that’s at the top of their game not a guy clinging to part time duties
Yes, that’s definitely part of it: on-field performance.
But we all know that ball players have a thousand different personality types off the field. Some are lazy. Some are confrontational. Some are jovial. Some are professional. Some are leaders.
Implying that being on top of your game/ a full-time player is the main thing that matters when shaping clubhouse vibes is just silly. So what, every bench player is just a malcontent and can’t contribute positively to the clubhouse culture?
I remember the Mets offered him a 5 year $100 million extension after the 2021 season, this would be his last year of it. Boras and him screwed that up and the Mets dodged a bullet. But hey at least he won his World Series last year 🤣🤣🤣
Another one that doesnt understand that the players make the decisions, not the agent.
And another one who doesn’t understand that players hire agents to help them make decisions.
Agents advise. Many players make decisions that an agent would never advise them to do. Taking less money to play in a city closer to home or that might have a better chance of contending. Taking a QO instead of hitting the open market. Taking a team friendly extension. Those things happen every single season.
Add to that the fact that not one of us has any idea what Boras advised Conforto to do at that time. That is all unfounded Baras hate. Boras never said and Conforto never said that Boras advised him to turn down the deal.
Why hire the agent if you’re not going to use his advice?
You were in the room and know what Boras’ advice was?
Players ignore agent advice all time. Every season. The player is the boss. The agent is the employee.
People pay agents for expert advice. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s okay to admit it didn’t work in this case.
We don’t know what the advice given was. We only know the player’s decision. Everyone is assuming what Boras advised with no evidence. Boras never said what is was. Conforto never said what it was. Assuming sans evidence is asinine.
If Boras, the King of Agents, tells the player that this is the best contract you can expect, do you think the player would really disagree?
Players disagree every year. Some do so in public forums like interviews and press conferences. In this case you and I have no idea what Boras advised Conforto to do. There was no public disclosure of what the advice given was. We just don’t know. What we do know for sure is that the player made the decision. That is an absolute.
A lot of comments over a minor league deal. These thirsty clown haters are so transparent. Cope
It takes real bravery to say this. Jazz Hands would be proud.
The Kyle Tucker replacement!!
Have fun with this Cubs fans. Another pending free agent on or about March 25.
Is he good friends with somebody in the Cubs organization? Or maybe the Cubs could really use him but I didn’t see this one coming.
It’s a MiLB deal and worth a $2M flyer. NBD.
Wow, twice of what I thought he would get. Contract based on reputation alone.
Conforto was buns last year: -0.7 WAR, .199 BA, 79 OPS+, a useless statue in LF, and missed 24 games (oft-injured). Slow as molasses on the base paths. Other than that, he’s fine.
Boyd
yep, Seattle guys
both Oregon State beavers, too
Conforto will help out on split squad days.
Its like the Dodgers and Cubs traded Tucker for Conforto in the most lopsided/worst trade in MLB history
BTV would probably say Conforto has more surplus value in that trade scenario.
Lol. I know BTV operates in a vacuum but the Dodgers are striving to three-peat so context needs to be taken into account for their investment.
I remember the FA prediction for him was like 1y/$5m and thinking What?
One of a bunch of poor free agent signings by the Dodgers last year. Conforto, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott. I guess the jury is still out on Scott and Treinen. Treinen had been around awhile, but neither were trusted at the end of the season. Hyesong Kim is still around, but he hasn’t hit a lick, and they were probably counting on more than 11 starts and 61 innings out of Blake Snell. They all got rings, but.. I’m sure they were looking for a better return on all of them.
Dodgers losing out on another big name. The salary cap can’t come soon enough!
Hopefully they will just keep him around during ST in case there is an injury, then he can opt out on Opening Day.
Wonder how close anyone was to matching hos dodger contract last year
Seems they knowingly were over paying
What a weird move.
Boras doesn’t have need for 2M guys. Lol
Like all guys with 9 years of service time I hope he has a nice rebound year so he can hit 10 years of service time.
They should’ve signed Nick Castellanos over him. Nick enjoyed his time in Chicago and that city embraced him. absolute mistake on Hoyer’s part.
This has to rate as one of the most nonsensical adds of the off-season.
It may signal they want to keep Ballasteros in Iowa for a month or so in hopes he can develop into the backup catcher.