Former All-Star Conforto Breaks Silence on Dodgers Bust

The $17 million outfielder struggled in Los Angeles before signing a minor league deal with the Cubs.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:50pm

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After a disappointing 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he hit just .156 by the end of April, former All-Star outfielder Michael Conforto has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. Conforto has opened up about the mechanical issues that led to his struggles with the Dodgers, expressing optimism that the Cubs' hitting coaches can help him get back on track.

Why it matters

Conforto's struggles with the Dodgers highlight the challenges even established stars can face when joining a new team, especially one with high expectations like the Dodgers. His willingness to be transparent about the technical flaws in his swing could help other players who go through similar slumps.

The details

Conforto, who had a successful career with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, signed a $17 million contract with the Dodgers in the 2024 offseason to bolster their outfield. However, he hit just .156 by the end of April and was unable to significantly improve his numbers, finishing the season with a .691 OPS. The Dodgers ultimately decided to cut ties with Conforto, who has now signed a minor league deal with the Cubs, where he will try to regain his form.

  • Conforto signed with the Dodgers in the 2024 offseason.
  • By the end of April 2025, Conforto was hitting just .156 with the Dodgers.
  • Conforto finished the 2025 season with a .691 OPS.

The players

Michael Conforto

A former All-Star outfielder who had a successful career with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants before signing a $17 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, which ultimately proved to be a bust.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A Major League Baseball team that has won two straight World Series championships and is known for its aggressive offseason strategy of acquiring top talent to fill roster weaknesses.

Chicago Cubs

A Major League Baseball team that Conforto has signed a minor league contract with, as he looks to regain his form and potentially return to the majors.

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What they’re saying

“One of the things that went wrong, I think, last year was just kind of getting away from who I am at my core. I've always been really focused on my legs, really aware of what they're doing and making sure that they stay active, and that's kind of the base of my swing... Sometimes, you just tinker so much you get out of it and it's hard to find the way back.”

— Michael Conforto

What’s next

Conforto will look to prove himself in the Cubs' minor league system and earn a spot on the major league roster, where he will have the opportunity to compete against his former Dodgers team.

The takeaway

Conforto's struggles with the Dodgers serve as a reminder that even established stars can face challenges when joining a new team, especially one with high expectations. His willingness to be transparent about the technical flaws in his swing could provide valuable insights for other players who go through similar slumps.