Even if the Cubs had signed one of the top free agent shortstops or if they are finally able to sign Dansby Swanson, the front office still needs to add multiple players in order to drastically improve the offense heading into 2023. We saw a few rumblings about the Cubs maybe looking at free agent outfielder Michael Conforto back in November, but now they've been more firmly connected to the left-handed batter.
According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs are one of a few other teams linked to Conforto.
Via the New York Post.
The Marlins, Cubs and Astros are linked to Michael Conforto. Though if he proves healthy, a return for Michael Brantley may work for Houston.
Conforto, will be 30-years-old by Opening Day next season and will be returning to MLB after missing the entire 2022 season. Conforto last played for the New York Mets, who extended the qualifying offer to him following the 2021 season. Conforto never signed in free agency and in April 2022, he reportedly underwent shoulder surgery.
Now, after a year removed from playing, Conforto is seeking a multi-year, short-term contract. And of course, prefers to have an opt-out attached.
Did somebody say short-term contract? Hello, Jed Hoyer.
Again, there is simply no excuse for the Cubs not to go after every free agent they like. There is no reason Hoyer can't out-bid other teams, but unfortunately we've seen that he does not want to do that this offseason. Well, at least when it comes to longer deals.
The Cubs have already taken a gamble on Cody Bellinger, signing him to a contract that guarantees him $17.5 million. Bellinger will earn $12.5 million in 2023, and has the option to return to the Cubs in 2024 for an additional $25 million or he gets a buyout worth $5 million.
If the Cubs are truly interested in Conforto, then a 2-3 year offer should not be an issue, even if the average annual value of the contract is higher than you may expect.
For a second, forget about the Cubs actually being a big-market team and how they should be spending like one. Looking at their future payroll, there is so much money coming off that it makes all the sense in the world for them to add as much as they can right now.
Conforto has a career slash line of .255/.356/.468, with a 124 wRC+. He did struggle in 2021, as Conforto's power numbers dipped, but because he's able to draw walks at a high rate, Conforto was still an above average hitter overall, posting a .344 OBP. Looking at his career with the Mets, Conforto has only had one subpar season, coming in 2016, when he recorded a 97 wRC+.
The Cubs need as many good hitters as they can get. I originally suggested that the Cubs can trade Ian Happ for a valuable piece, maybe a catcher, to bring in Conforto, but they can both work on the roster. Conforto can be the designated hitter and at the very least give a few of the outfielders a day off by starting in left and right, and possibly center field.
There is a path where the Cubs can exit the offseason with a solid group of players, but at this point that scenario must include Swanson and a few guys like Conforto. We talk about that and the frustration Cubs fans are feeling right now on the latest Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast.
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