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MLB Insider Names Intriguing Free Agent Fit For Cubs

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 15:50 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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MLB Insider Identifies an Intriguing Free‑Agent Fit for the Cubs

In a recent piece on Sports Illustrated, the analytics‑heavy blog “MLB Insider” spotlighted a player who, in its view, could be a surprisingly fitting free‑agent acquisition for the Chicago Cubs. The candidate is none other than Michael Conforto—the seasoned left‑handed hitter who spent the 2023 season with the New York Mets and entered free agency after the conclusion of that campaign. The article, which was accompanied by links to Conforto’s comprehensive statistical profile and a discussion of the Cubs’ current roster needs, outlines why Conforto’s profile aligns so neatly with what Chicago may be looking for in the coming offseason.

1. Conforto’s 2023 Performance: Power, Production, and Versatility

Conforto’s 2023 season was a showcase of the type of hitter the Cubs might be missing. In 134 games for the Mets, he hit 26 home runs and drove in 70 runs, posting a career‑high in both categories. His on‑base plus slugging (OPS) hovered around .798, a respectable figure for a power bat in the National League. While his batting average dipped to .244, his ability to produce in the middle of the lineup—often lining up in the 4th or 5th spot—was evident.

Defensively, Conforto has spent the majority of his career as a right fielder, a position that the Cubs could comfortably accommodate. He has shown a knack for both deep fly balls and the ability to read ball‑carrying, qualities that are valuable in a league where center‑field range is a premium. His versatility also extends to the 1B spot, offering Chicago the flexibility to adjust the lineup as needed.

2. Age, Health, and Contract Fit

At 30 years old (born in 1993), Conforto is in what many analysts consider the prime of a baseball career. He has managed to stay largely healthy through most of his tenure in the majors, and his injury history is modest compared to many of his peers. That translates to a relatively low risk for a team willing to take a chance on a 30‑year‑old power hitter.

From a contract standpoint, Conforto’s last year with the Mets capped at a $7.2 million salary. As a free agent, he could be open to a one‑year deal or a modest two‑year extension at a salary range of $8–12 million per year, depending on the market and the Cubs’ willingness to allocate resources. This price point would make him an attractive, cost‑effective option for Chicago, especially when compared to the high fees attached to many contemporary free‑agent power hitters.

3. Why the Cubs Need a Player Like Conforto

The Cubs’ roster construction at the time of the article left a discernible void in power‑hitting and left‑handed batting depth. While the club had a solid lineup in the middle—players like Javier Baez and Paul Goldschmidt—there was still a need for a dependable, high‑lineup power bat who could consistently drive in runs and provide a spark off the bench.

Moreover, the Cubs’ current outfield configuration—center fielder Manny Machado (though the 2023 offseason saw him return to the Dodgers) and right fielder Kyle Schwarber—was not entirely aligned with the long‑term vision that the front office was pursuing. A player like Conforto would offer a “bridge” to a more balanced and potent outfield, allowing the team to re‑evaluate defensive alignments without compromising offensive output.

4. Comparison to Other Free‑Agent Possibilities

In the broader free‑agent landscape, the Cubs had a few other options, notably:

• Kyle Harrison (left‑handed reliever) – a valuable arm, but not an offensive contributor.
• Evan Longoria (right fielder, 36) – a veteran with strong defensive pedigree, but age and injury concerns could be problematic.
• T.J. Puhl (left‑handed starter) – a pitching option rather than an outfield power bat.

MLB Insider’s analysis posits that Conforto uniquely balances the Cubs’ offensive and defensive requirements, offers a realistic salary ceiling, and can fit into the existing lineup without extensive reshuffling.

5. Potential Role and Lineup Placement

Conforto would most likely line up in the 4th or 5th spot of the Cubs’ batting order, a spot traditionally reserved for the most consistent run‑producer. His left‑handed swing would also provide a strategic advantage against right‑handed pitching—a frequent matchup in the National League. Defensively, the Cubs could either slot him into right field or rotate him with their current outfielders, offering flexibility in managing workloads and injuries.

6. The Broader Implication for the Cubs’ Free‑Agent Strategy

If the Cubs were to pursue Conforto, it would signal a more aggressive stance in the free‑agent market. Rather than waiting for a top‑tier free‑agent power hitter whose contract would likely be in the $20–30 million range, the Cubs could lock in a solid contributor at a more modest price point. This strategy would also leave the organization’s payroll more flexible for future moves, whether that involves trading, signing, or drafting talent.

7. Conclusion: A Smart Move for a Club in Transition

MLB Insider’s recommendation to target Michael Conforto is grounded in a blend of statistical analysis, roster assessment, and financial practicality. For a club like the Cubs, which was seeking to add depth, power, and flexibility as they re‑imagine their lineup for the next season, Conforto presents a compelling option. He offers a middle‑order power bat, defensive competence in the outfield, and an affordable contract structure—all of which align with the Cubs’ immediate and mid‑term strategic goals.

As the free‑agent market heats up, Chicago’s front office will likely weigh Conforto’s potential contribution against other offers. If they decide to go with the “intriguing fit” highlighted by MLB Insider, it could set the tone for a more balanced and competitive Cubs team in the years to come.