The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a bench battle, and it's shaping up to be a showdown among three veteran outfielders aiming to reignite their careers. With the roster spots limited, it looks like two of these players might make the cut, while the third faces an uncertain future.
Michael Conforto, Dylan Carlson, and Chas McCormick have all shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but recent struggles led them to minor league deals with the Cubs. This spring, though, the trio's performances have set them apart in different ways.
Conforto has bounced back impressively from a tough 2025 with the Dodgers, posting a strong .357/.438/.429 line over five spring games. Carlson has been even more impressive, boasting a .400/.571/.500 slash in 10 games. Meanwhile, McCormick has struggled, hitting just .233/.226/.333 in 11 appearances, which might jeopardize his chances of making the team.
McCormick's uphill battle doesn't end with his numbers. Positional flexibility is key, and while Conforto is no longer a center field option, both Carlson and McCormick have experience there. Carlson's ability to switch-hit adds another layer of value, making him a more versatile option than the right-handed McCormick.
Another consideration is a player's ability to hit left-handed pitching. Conforto, despite being a lefty, has shown a knack for hitting southpaws, which adds to his appeal. His solid 2024 season isn't too far in the rearview, making him a strong contender for a roster spot.
It's a tough break for McCormick. Once a promising player with three consecutive seasons of 2.1 fWAR or better, including a standout 2023 where he hit 22 homers and stole 19 bases, his performance has dipped significantly. Over the past two years, he's struggled, with negative fWAR and declining wRC+ numbers.
Given the roster's needs and the other players' performances, McCormick finds himself at a disadvantage. Despite ample opportunities, he hasn't capitalized, making it likely that the Cubs will move on. It's a harsh reality, but one that might lead him to seek opportunities elsewhere.