What Happened to Michael Conforto?
Michael Conforto, a former MLB All-Star outfielder, experienced a significant career setback after missing the entire 2022 season due to shoulder surgery. Following stints with the San Francisco Giants (2023-2024) and a challenging 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in February 2026, making their Opening Day roster and currently serving as a backup outfielder/designated hitter.
Quick Answer
Michael Conforto is currently an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, having signed a minor league deal in February 2026 and making their Opening Day roster. After a difficult 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he struggled significantly and was left off their postseason roster, Conforto is attempting to revitalize his career in a part-time role with the Cubs. As of late May 2026, he has shown flashes of strong hitting but has also experienced slumps, leading to intermittent playing time.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Seattle, Washington
Michael Thomas Conforto was born in Seattle, Washington.
Drafted by New York Mets
Conforto was selected by the New York Mets in the first round (10th overall) of the MLB draft out of Oregon State University.
MLB Debut with New York Mets
He made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Mets.
Named MLB All-Star
Conforto earned his first career MLB All-Star selection, a highlight of his early career.
All-MLB Second Team Selection
In the COVID-19 shortened season, Conforto was named to the All-MLB Second Team for his strong offensive performance.
Missed Season Due to Shoulder Surgery
After declining a qualifying offer from the Mets, Conforto suffered a right shoulder injury in January and underwent surgery in April, missing the entire 2022 season.
Signed with San Francisco Giants
Conforto signed a two-year, $36 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, marking his return to MLB.
Opted in for 2024 Season with Giants
Conforto exercised his player option, returning to the Giants for the 2024 season.
Signed with Los Angeles Dodgers
Conforto signed a one-year, $17 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Struggled with Dodgers, Left Off Postseason Roster
Conforto had a career-worst season with the Dodgers, batting .199, and was not included on their postseason roster despite the team winning the World Series.
Signed Minor League Deal with Chicago Cubs
Conforto signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, including an invitation to spring training, seeking a fresh start.
Made Cubs Opening Day Roster
The Cubs announced that Conforto had made the team's Opening Day roster, with his contract officially selected two days later.
Hit First Career Walk-Off Home Run
Conforto hit his first career walk-off home run as a pinch hitter in a 4-3 Cubs win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Out of Cubs Lineup Amid Slump
Conforto was out of the Chicago Cubs' lineup for a game against the Pirates, following an 0-for-12 slump with five strikeouts in his previous four starts.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Michael Conforto's professional baseball journey began with high expectations after being drafted 10th overall by the New York Mets in 2014. He quickly ascended, making his MLB debut in 2015 and becoming an All-Star in 2017, showcasing significant power and on-base skills. His peak with the Mets saw him earn an All-MLB Second Team selection in the shortened 2020 season, where he batted .322 with a .412 on-base percentage.
A major turning point in Conforto's career occurred after the 2021 season. Following a decline in production, he declined a qualifying offer from the Mets and subsequently suffered a right shoulder injury in January 2022 during a workout. This injury required surgery in April 2022, forcing him to miss the entire 2022 MLB season and significantly impacting his free agency prospects.
He returned to MLB in 2023, signing a two-year, $36 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. In his two seasons with the Giants (2023-2024), Conforto hit 35 home runs, maintaining a .238 batting average and a .740 OPS across 255 games. He opted into the second year of his contract for the 2024 season.
The 2025 season proved to be the most challenging of his career. Conforto signed a one-year, $17 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, aiming to re-establish his value. However, he struggled immensely, posting a career-low slash line of .199/.305/.333 with just 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 138 games. His poor performance led to public calls for his release from the fanbase, and he was ultimately left off the Dodgers' postseason roster, despite the team winning the World Series.
Seeking a fresh start, Conforto signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on February 23, 2026, which included an invitation to spring training. He successfully made the Cubs' Opening Day roster on March 23, 2026, with his contract officially selected on March 25. The Cubs reportedly offered a $2 million base salary if he made the big-league roster. As of May 28, 2026, Conforto is with the Cubs, primarily serving as a backup corner outfielder and designated hitter. He hit his first career walk-off home run on May 3, 2026. While he has shown periods of strong hitting, including a .345/.456/.655 slash line with three home runs and 11 RBIs over 68 plate appearances at one point, he has also experienced slumps. Most recently, as of May 27, 2026, he was out of the lineup due to a slump, going 0-for-12 with five strikeouts in his previous four starts.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Michael Conforto made different choices?