Cubs' Michael Conforto 'motivated' by 2025 disappointments
MESA, Ariz. — Outfielder Michael Conforto, who is in camp with the Cubs on a minor-league deal, had mixed emotions while watching the Dodgers’ World Series run last season after being left off their postseason roster.
‘‘Super-bittersweet, super-conflicting feeling, honestly,’’ Conforto said this week. ‘‘Felt like I didn’t earn [the World Series title], in a way. But still proud of that group of guys, proud of my ability to continue to be a good teammate and still uplift guys. . . .
‘‘I do still feel like I was a big part of it, but it leaves you hungry. It leaves you motivated. It was something I had to wrestle with through the offseason.’’
Conforto, who is in a strong position to claim a roster spot, is looking to bounce back after putting together the worst offensive season of his career with the Dodgers. He had a .199 batting average in 138 regular-season games.
‘‘Along the way, I lost the discipline in my routine and the things that really prompted the Dodgers to sign me,’’ Conforto said. ‘‘I kind of got away from that stuff and started trying to make adjustments in-season, [which] is never a good place to be.’’
Conforto worked this offseason with several instructors, including former super-utility player Howie Kendrick, who emphasized the lower half of his swing.
‘‘I wanted to get back to me, find myself again,’’ Conforto said. ‘‘And I feel great. Part of the reason I’m taking a [non-roster invite] is because I feel confident and I feel excited.’’
By joining the Cubs, Conforto reunited with left-hander Matthew Boyd, a former teammate at Oregon State and fellow Seattle-area native.
‘‘Mike’s amazing,’’ Boyd said Thursday. ‘‘Mike’s a winner. He won in college; he won in high school. I’ve known him that long and longer. And he’s another guy that’s a natural leader. He’s a selfless dude. And it’s kind of fun because I haven’t seen him as hungry as he is right now.’’
Alcantara to get some action
Outfielder Kevin Alcantara is set to appear in a game for the first time this spring when he serves as the designated hitter Saturday against the Dodgers, manager Craig Counsell said.
‘‘You’ll see him regularly, but we’re just going to be a little cautious,’’ Counsell said.
Alcantara has been a little behind schedule as he continues to ramp up after having offseason hernia surgery.
‘‘We’ve got plenty of time,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘He’s ready to go. He’s kind of pushing us, so it’s the right time.’’
Bethancourt reports
Catcher Christian Bethancourt reported to camp Thursday after a lengthy visa-related delay. He then had a full workout scheduled Friday.
Bethancourt, a non-roster invitee, is scheduled to play Saturday before leaving again to join Team Panama for the World Baseball Classic.
Bethancourt at least had the advantage of training at home as he waited for his visa issues to be resolved. He essentially has been playing with Panama’s national team in recent weeks, Counsell said.