White Sox Eyeing Veteran Outfield Help, Reportedly Interested in Michael Conforto
After a quiet stretch this offseason, the Chicago White Sox are starting to show their hand - and it looks like they’re eyeing a mix of short-term upside and veteran presence. According to multiple reports, the team is exploring the market for both a starting pitcher and a veteran outfielder.
One name that’s surfaced as a potential fit in the outfield? Michael Conforto.
Conforto, who’s set to turn 33 by Opening Day, is no stranger to the spotlight. A former first-round pick by the Mets back in 2014, he spent the first seven years of his career in Queens, earning an All-Star nod in 2017 and launching 33 home runs in 2019. At his best, he was a middle-of-the-order bat with solid plate discipline and sneaky power from the left side - a profile that’s always in demand.
But Conforto’s journey hasn’t been without detours. A shoulder injury wiped out his entire 2022 season, just as he was hitting free agency in his prime.
He bounced back with the Giants, putting up 35 homers and a 108 OPS+ across two seasons, showing he could still contribute at the plate. Then came 2025 with the Dodgers - and it was rough.
Conforto posted career lows across the board, hitting just .199 with a .637 OPS and ultimately being left off the postseason roster.
Still, the underlying numbers paint a more nuanced picture. While his hard-hit rate dipped last season, Conforto’s plate discipline remained a strength, and he showed he could still barrel the ball when he squared it up.
Just last year, his exit velocity topped 113 mph - a reminder that the raw power is still there. Defensively, he’s never been a burner in the outfield, but his arm remains solid, and he could easily shift into a designated hitter role if needed.
For the White Sox, this could be a classic low-risk, medium-reward signing. A short-term deal wouldn’t tie up much payroll, and if Conforto finds his swing again, he could offer a steady veteran presence in a lineup that’s increasingly built around young talent. With names like Jarred Kelenic and Everson Pereira in the fold, Chicago has the flexibility to mix and match - and if Conforto struggles, they wouldn’t be boxed in.
But if he clicks? That’s where things get interesting.
A productive first half could make him a valuable trade chip come July, especially for contenders looking for a left-handed bat with postseason experience. And if that scenario plays out, it could open the door for top prospect Braden Montgomery to make his big-league debut later in the season.
The outfield market isn’t exactly brimming with upside right now, and Conforto, even coming off a down year, still offers more offensive potential than most of the remaining free agents. For a White Sox club looking to bridge the gap between rebuilding and competing, adding a veteran bat like Conforto could be a savvy move - one that helps stabilize the lineup while keeping the long-term plan intact.
With Spring Training just weeks away, the White Sox have some decisions to make. And if they’re looking to add a proven bat who’s hungry for a bounce-back, Michael Conforto might just be the guy to watch.