Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Michael Conforto is now a member of the Chicago Cubs, signing a major league deal with the team to essentially replace the loss of new Dodger Kyle Tucker.
Conforto was signed ahead of the 2025 season to serve as a corner outfielder who can provide quality at-bats to complement the top of the Dodgers’ lineup.
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Even in the middle of the lineup, Conforto failed to be even league-average at the plate, having a horrid season and being one of the worst high-salary, one-year deals in recent memory.
To make matters worse, his defense was also poor on the whole, and he did not offer anything on the basepaths, meaning he was dead weight on the roster by the end of the year and did not make the postseason team.
Mar 13, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Michael Conforto against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Now, Conforto is on the fringes of the MLB, fighting to make a roster for the 2026 season. It was a slow free agency for him, though he eventually signed a deal with the Cubs, giving him a shot at playing this year.
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Conforto’s Sunday against the Dodgers
Conforto faced the Dodgers on Sunday afternoon as a part of Los Angeles’ split-squad day. He went 0-for-3 on the day, putting his spring total at six for 23 with two doubles and an RBI.
During the game, he reflected on 2025 and what went wrong for him at the plate.
“Yeah, I think it’s just being disciplined in my routines. And one of the things that went wrong, I think, last year was just kind of getting away from who I am at my core,” Conforto said.
“I’ve always been really focused on my legs, really aware of what they’re doing, and making sure that they stay active. And it’s kind of the base of my swing. All my power comes from my lower half. And sometimes you just tinker so much that you get out of it, and it’s hard to find the way back.
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“So these guys here…and the whole hitting group have been great, just trying to keep me on the straight and narrow, and just keep me hitting the ball hard through the middle of the field. And that’s when I’m at my best.”
Luckily for Dodgers fans, they are no longer part of the Conforto ride, and they replaced him with a steady player in Tucker.