The Chicago Cubs have officially agreed to sign veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, marking a new chapter for the 32-year-old after a tough 2025 MLB season spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers – despite becoming a World Series champion.
Conforto debuted with the New York Mets in 2015 as the 10th overall draft pick, spending seven seasons with the team. He produced career highs in 2020 with a .322 batting average and .412 on-base percentage during the shortened season.
The news comes as per Jon Heyman, who reported that Conforto, after spending last season with Los Angeles, is now headed to Chicago. Details on the contract, including length and financial terms, have not yet been disclosed.
In 2017, he posted a .555 slugging percentage and a .939 OPS, showcasing his power and consistency. However, after hitting a slump in 2021 with a .232 AVG, .344 OBP, and .384 OPS, Conforto suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for all of 2022.
Once recovered, Conforto signed a two-year, $36 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, but his performance remained modest, leading him to sign a one-year, $17 million deal with the Dodgers last offseason.
During his tenure with Los Angeles, Conforto struggled, hitting career lows in multiple categories and ultimately being left off the Dodgers‘ postseason roster, despite the team winning the World Series, highlighting the inconsistency in his recent play.
Over his MLB career, however, Conforto has totaled 179 home runs and 556 RBI. Last season, he played exclusively in left field but has experience across center and right field, and has also served as a designated hitter, giving the Cubs versatile options.
Cubs land boost despite Conforto news
The Chicago Cubs enter the 2026 MLB season as strong contenders in the National League, bolstered by offseason moves, including acquiring starting pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins and signing star third baseman Alex Bregman.
Those additions have significantly strengthened the roster. Following a run to the NLDS last season, Chicago appears improved offensively and defensively, positioning the team as a serious contender for the upcoming campaign.
Seiya Suzuki, a key contributor last season, hit career highs with 32 home runs and 103 RBI over 151 games, producing a .245/.326/.478 slash line, and has expressed interest in a long-term contract with the Cubs, signaling mutual commitment.
“I want to work hard and perform well, and hopefully they say yes,” Suzuki told the Chicago Sun Times, indicating his desire to continue contributing while securing his future with the team and maintaining continuity for the lineup.
Chicago now faces strong competition from teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, but the roster improvements and key additions suggest they can hold their own and contend for a World Series championship this season.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicts the Cubs will win the NL Central division, positioning them well for playoff success. Fans who previously questioned the team’s offseason strategy can now see a clear commitment to winning.
The combination of new acquisitions and star performers like Suzuki makes Chicago‘s roster deeper and more competitive. Whether the Cubs and Suzuki commit long-term remains uncertain, but the outlook is promising for 2026.
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