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 and would have to settle for a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
‘‘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 before his first workout with the team Tuesday.