Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Michael Conforto has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs, serving as a replacement for Kyle Tucker.
The Dodgers gave Conforto an eight-figure deal heading into the 2025 season to be the team’s starting left fielder.
Despite being placed in a good lineup spot and backed up by all of the Dodgers’ stars, Conforto never quite found his footing with Los Angeles, having a flat-out terrible season.
He was left off the postseason roster, despite his contract and status as a veteran, effectively ending his tenure with the Dodgers.
Sep 27, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Michael Conforto (23) scores a run against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
However, the 32-year-old has found a new home with the Chicago Cubs, signing a $2 million deal with performance bonuses if he makes the roster.
The Cubs have a good deal of options in the outfield, with Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki all in the fold, along with veterans Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick.
In terms of being a designated hitter, the Cubs should end up putting rookie Moisés Ballesteros in the role, though Conforto, if he makes the roster, could be an option there as well, if his bat comes to life again.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell seemed to be bullish on Conforto’s chances of a bounce-back.
“He had a down year last year, but he’s been a good player in this league for quite a while,” Counsell said.
“Sometimes, when you sign guys, it’s like, ‘Ah, where is the opportunity here?’ And then we show up in five days and there’s a big opportunity, right? So that’s how you look at it. He’s a player that’s had a lot of success in this league. And if he can recapture some of that, you’re going to have a useful player.”
The Dodgers win the trade
By acquiring Kyle Tucker, one of the best and most consistent outfielders in baseball, the Dodgers emerge as the true winners of this trade—assuming the player stays injury-free.
While there is a possibility that Conforto, given his small deal compared to Tucker’s record deal, may provide better value, if the Dodgers manage to add another trophy to their cabinet and have a historic offensive season, Tucker will definitely be worth the investment.
LA Baseball Report
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