Michael Conforto Joins Cubs on Minor League Deal: What It Means for MLB Outfield Market

Michael Conforto, a former All-Star outfielder, has agreed to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to multiple reports. The move comes after Conforto’s difficult 2025 campaign and signals a noteworthy shift in the current Major League Baseball outfield market.

ESPN reported that Conforto, who struggled at the plate last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting just .199, will look to revive his career by competing for a spot on the Cubs’ big league roster. The deal is structured as a minor league contract, giving the Cubs flexibility while offering Conforto a chance to prove himself in spring training.

• Conforto posted a .199 batting average in 2025 with the Dodgers
• The Cubs add a veteran presence to an outfield mix that remains unsettled heading into spring
• The minor league deal allows Conforto to compete for a bench or platoon role

Sports Illustrated notes that Conforto’s signing is one of the latest dominoes to fall in a quiet but intriguing outfield market this winter. With several teams still searching for left-handed pop and outfield depth, Conforto’s deal may set the tone for other unsigned veterans seeking opportunities as spring training ramps up.

Once a key contributor for the New York Mets, Conforto was an All-Star in 2017 and posted an OPS+ above league average in five of his first seven MLB seasons. However, his recent struggles at the plate have led to a diminished market value, culminating in his first minor league pact since reaching the majors.

For the Cubs, the addition of Conforto gives them a low-risk option as they evaluate their outfield composition. With uncertainty around younger players and the need for experienced depth, Conforto’s track record—if he can regain form—could provide a boost. Sports Illustrated points out that teams are increasingly turning to veteran free agents on minor league deals to fill out their benches and address injury risks throughout the season.

Across the league, several outfielders with major league experience remain unsigned, and Conforto’s move to Chicago may influence how teams approach the remaining free agent market. The minor league route offers both clubs and players a flexible path: clubs can evaluate talent without a guaranteed roster spot, while players gain a platform to showcase their skills in competitive environments.

As spring training progresses, attention will be on Conforto’s performance as he aims to earn a major league recall. His left-handed bat and history of power production offer upside, but his recent numbers underscore the challenge ahead. If he can recapture his form from earlier seasons, he could emerge as one of the more impactful signings of the late offseason for the Cubs or any other team willing to take a chance on a veteran rebound.