Cubs Sign Struggling $2M World Series Champion, Crow-Armstrong Takes Jab at Dodgers

Chicago makes moves to bolster roster, player takes shot at rival fanbase

Feb. 24, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The Chicago Cubs have made some key offseason moves, including acquiring pitcher Edwin Cabrera and signing veteran outfielder Michael Conforto. Additionally, Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong took a jab at the Los Angeles Dodgers fanbase, saying Chicago fans "give a sh-t" unlike Dodgers fans who "just go to the games to take pictures."

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to return to the playoffs after making it in 2025, and these moves and comments add intrigue to their rivalry with the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers. Crow-Armstrong's comments in particular have stirred up some controversy and will likely add extra intensity when the two teams meet this season.

The details

The Cubs acquired pitcher Edwin Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, likely not involving their top pitching prospects. They also signed veteran outfielder Michael Conforto to a minor league deal. Meanwhile, Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong took a shot at the Dodgers fanbase, saying Chicago fans "give a sh-t" unlike Dodgers fans who "just go to the games to take pictures."

  • The Cubs acquired Cabrera in a trade with the Marlins in February 2026.
  • The Cubs signed Conforto to a minor league deal earlier in the week.

The players

Edwin Cabrera

A pitcher acquired by the Cubs from the Miami Marlins in a trade.

Michael Conforto

A veteran outfielder signed by the Cubs to a minor league deal.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

The Cubs' starting centerfielder who took a jab at the Dodgers fanbase.

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What they’re saying

“Cubs closing in on Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera as they review medicals. Trade likely not to involve top-tier pitching prospects going back, sources tell ESPN. Position player prospects likely to go.”

— Jesse Rogers, ESPN insider (ESPN)

“As a minor league deal, it looks like the same kind of low-cost move that the Dodgers seemed to be making by signing Andy Ibáñez — but with even less risk. There was no world in which Conforto was going to make anywhere near the $17 million the Dodgers (foolishly) gave him last year; he'd be lucky if possible incentives would get him even half of that.”

— Katrina Stebbins, Dodgers Way writer (Dodgers Way)

“I love Chicago more and more. The people are great. They give a sh-t. They aren't just baseball fans who go to the games like Dodgers fans to take pictures and whatever. They're paying attention. They care.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong (Chicago Magazine)

What’s next

The Cubs and Dodgers are set to meet this season, with Crow-Armstrong's comments adding extra intrigue to the matchup.

The takeaway

The Cubs are making moves to bolster their roster and return to the playoffs, while also taking subtle jabs at their rivals, the Dodgers. Crow-Armstrong's comments about the Dodgers fanbase have stirred up controversy and will likely add intensity when the two teams face off this season.