3 free agent contracts Cubs should’ve matched this offseason
By Tim Boyle
2) Cubs should have matched what the Giants paid Michael Conforto
Michael Conforto was one of the most intriguing free agents this offseason. Having missed out on all of the 2022 season following a brutal performance at the plate in 2021, many believed he could settle on a deal similar to the one Cody Bellinger got from the Cubs.
Instead, Conforto got something better. The San Francisco Giants missed out on Aaron Judge and got cold feet with Carlos Correa. With money to burn, they turned to another Scott Boras client, Conforto. He got two-years and $36 million. It may end up as the wisest buy of the entire offseason.
Conforto hit for a lot of power in his years with the New York Mets. The left-handed hitting outfielder has been a brilliant OBP guy even in his down seasons. He can draw walks well and do some secret damage in the middle of the order.
On Chicago, Conforto would have been a corner outfielder and DH option. With Ian Happ in left field and Seiya Suzuki signed up for right field duties, Chicago may have needed to rotate the three regularly. Happ’s ability to play multiple positions could have always brought him into the infield. Nico Hoerner at third base with Happ at second base wouldn’t have been such an unwise plan.
The Cubbies found much cheaper options for their lineup, adding Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini. Will they regret letting Conforto land elsewhere? It’s something to keep an eye on.