Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 25
Cubs outfielder Michael Conforto joins evolving bench battle
Michael Conforto hits a home run during live batting practice on the backfield quads at Cubs spring training in Mesa, AZ on February 25, 2026.MESA, Ariz. – Outfielder Michael Conforto was surprised by his gut reaction when he realized he wasn’t going to be signing a major-league contract this offseason; he’d have to settle for a minor-league deal with a spring training invitation.
“I didn’t really expect it, but it felt good to have that new perspective, and it felt exciting and new again,” he said Wednesday. “ I was like, dude, I feel like I’m a prospect. I’ve got to come out here and really work.”
Conforto said as much to Cubs manager Craig Counsell Tuesday, before his first team workout.