Cubs Sign Veteran Outfielder Conforto to Minor-League Deal

Conforto, once a rising star with the Mets, looks to bounce back with Cubs

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:51pm

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The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran outfielder Michael Conforto to a minor-league deal, adding him to a crowded outfield competition that also includes Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson. Conforto, 32, had a down year with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025 but is looking to recapture the form that saw him hit 88 home runs from 2017-19 with the New York Mets.

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to bolster their bench and outfield depth after a promising 2025 season, and Conforto represents a low-risk, high-upside signing that could pay dividends if he can regain his previous All-Star level of production.

The details

Conforto, a left-handed hitter, will be in the mix for a reserve outfielder job with the Cubs. Manager Craig Counsell said the team is "bringing in candidates to strengthen the roster" and that Conforto, despite a down year in 2025, has "been a good player in this league for quite a while." The Cubs are not done looking to improve their roster, with Counsell saying he's always evaluating what the team has and doesn't have.

  • Conforto signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs late on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Conforto is expected to be in uniform with the Cubs on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Michael Conforto

A 32-year-old outfielder who was once considered a rising star with the New York Mets, but struggled to a .199 batting average and .637 OPS with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who is looking to add depth and competition to the team's outfield and bench.

Jed Hoyer

The president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, who Counsell says he regularly talks to about improving the roster.

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What they’re saying

“At this point we're bringing in candidates to strengthen the roster. Michael had a down year last year, but he's been a good player in this league for quite a while. Sometimes when you sign guys, it's like, 'Where is the opportunity here?' And then we show up in five days and there's a big opportunity. That's how you look at this.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager, Chicago Cubs (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The Cubs will continue to evaluate their roster and look for additional ways to improve the team ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Cubs' signing of Michael Conforto to a low-risk, minor-league deal represents an opportunity for the former All-Star to bounce back and earn a spot on the major league roster, as the team looks to build on its promising 2025 campaign.