The Chicago Cubs Will Have to Make Some Tough Roster Decisions
The Chicago Cubs face challenging roster choices as they approach Opening Day. In late February, Chicago signed former All-Star Michael Conforto to a minor league deal with a spring training invite. While Conforto remains a capable hitter, his recent struggles have put him in a battle for the fourth outfield spot.
Cubs insider Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic suggests Conforto may be on the outside looking in.
“The bench battle appears to be primarily three players fighting for two spots: Michael Conforto, Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick. … Numbers-wise, on offense, Carlson has put together the best spring so far,” Sharma wrote. “But that’s a dangerous game of both spring training numbers, which are largely meaningless, and small sample sizes. How they look means more than the pure results right now.
“Is the bat speed still there? Are they healthy? How is their defense? The latter may end up being a differentiator between McCormick and Carlson: Who can play better outfield defense, in particular, in center field? Talent evaluators are split on this, though most seem to lean toward McCormick. The recent advanced data doesn’t love either, although Outs Above Average gives the clear edge to McCormick.”
Conforto, an All-Star in 2017, spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting just .199 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs. He has started spring training with the Cubs hitting .273 with 1 RBI in 11 at-bats.
Cubs Manager Admits Roster Decisions Will be Tough
As one of the top teams in the NL, the Cubs have a wealth of talent but limited roster spots.
“We’ve got good candidates,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I guess that’s the best part, probably. Conforto came in late just to add to that. I feel like we’re pretty comfortable. We added a good player. I feel really good about the choices there. There’s not going to be room for all of them.”
Conforto, Carlson, and McCormick appear to be competing for one or two bench spots, making the remainder of spring training crucial. Conforto also shares a personal connection with Counsell, who first scouted him while doing amateur work for the Brewers.
Counsell Explains Conforto Signing
The Cubs’ minor league signing of Conforto was intended to foster competition and strengthen the roster.
“At this point, we’re looking to bring in candidates to just strengthen the roster,” Counsell said. “This is a sign that we’re going to continue to do that. … Michael had a down year last year.
“But he’s been a good player in this league for quite a while. Sometimes when you sign guys, it’s like, ‘Where is the opportunity here?’ And then we show up in five days and there’s a big opportunity, right? That’s how you look at this.”
The Cubs open their 2026 season on March 26 against the Washington Nationals.
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