Get ready for some exciting baseball news! The Chicago Cubs are making a move to strengthen their outfield, and it's a bold one.
Jesse Rogers, an ESPN MLB expert, has confirmed that free agent outfielder Michael Conforto has signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. This move is intriguing, especially considering Conforto's recent performance.
At 32 years old, Conforto had a challenging season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, batting a mere .199. However, he's determined to turn things around and prove his worth during spring training with the Cubs.
Conforto's early career with the New York Mets was impressive, with an OPS of .864 and an impressive 12.2 Baseball-Reference wins above replacement from 2017 to 2020. But here's where it gets controversial: Conforto's numbers have dipped since then, with his batting average and OPS-plus failing to reach the heights of those early years.
Despite this, Conforto has shown consistency with 47 home runs over the last three seasons while playing for the San Francisco Giants and then the Dodgers.
The Cubs' outfield is already packed with minor league invites, including Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick, as they search for the perfect lineup. One key focus is finding a reliable backup for center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, especially with both Crow-Armstrong and right fielder/DH Seiya Suzuki set to leave for the WBC during spring.
This creates an opportunity for Conforto and other non-roster invites to shine. With his experience and power-hitting abilities, Conforto could be a valuable asset to the Cubs.
Conforto's career statistics speak for themselves: 179 home runs, 23 stolen bases, and an OPS-plus of 115.
The Cubs' deal with Conforto was first reported by MLB Network, and it's sure to spark some interesting discussions among baseball fans.
And this is the part most people miss: Conforto's signing could be a strategic move by the Cubs to add depth and experience to their outfield.
What do you think? Is this a smart move by the Cubs, or are they taking a risk? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
