There has been more chatter surrounding the Cubs signing another free agent hitter after news came out this weekend about their agreement with shortstop Dansby Swanson. In order for this team to have a real shot at competing in 2023, a few more additions must be part of their plan.
That brings us to left-handed hitting Michael Conforto. His name has been linked to the Cubs by national and local media alike in this past week. On Monday, there continues to be more rumblings about the Cubs being in the mix for the former New York Mets outfielder.
A Rockies beat reporter is also saying the Cubs are among the teams with the strongest interest in signing Conforto.
While the fit may not be perfect, considering the Cubs already have three starting outfielders in Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki, adding Conforto to the lineup would give manager David Ross a reliable option at designated hitter and someone else who can provide power from the left side of the plate. You can also rotate the corner outfielders to DH, while Conforto takes their place. Point is, the Cubs can make it work.
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.
It is believed that Conforto is trying to sign a short-term deal, seeking a two-year contract that includes an opt-out for him.
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 thanks to his ability to draw walks at a good rate, Conforto was still an above average hitter overall, posting a .344 OBP that season. Looking at his career with the Mets, Conforto has only had one subpar season, coming in 2016, when he recorded a 97 wRC+.
On Saturday, Bruce Levine brought up Conforto's name when discussing what the Cubs lineup could look like next season. Kind of came out of nowhere, but obviously the Cubs are one of the teams trying to sign Conforto.
Last week, Jon Heyman was the first to link Conforto to the Cubs, among other teams, in the New York Post.
The Cubs' plan so far this offseason may not be to the liking of all, I still have some qualms about some of the decision-making, but if they are able to sign Conforto, the lineup's chances of being better than average to good dramatically increase. They have to get a guy that has the potential to hit for power and with the signings of Bellinger and Swanson, that looks like a direction the Cubs are going to. Not only that, but Jed Hoyer needs another solid hitter if the team is opting to prioritize defense at the catcher position, which is now looking like they are this offseason.
The Cubs have also shown interest in right-handed batter Trey Mancini. He'd be another solid signing, but hopefully he comes with Conforto instead of being the only other bat the team signs this offseason.
There aren't many quality hitters left in free agency, so I'd really like to get Conforto. We discussed the Cubs offseason and what moves they could be considering on the Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast.
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