3 Michael Conforto replacements Cubs must consider before it's too late

The story of Michael Conforto has had a different tune for the Chicago Cubs in recent weeks. Conforto was one of the early success stories for the Cubs this season, but recently, has entered a slump that would suggest the end of his time on the roster is approaching.

When the Cubs signed Conforto to a minor-league deal at the start of spring training, it seemed clear that he would be on the Opening Day roster, though, no one expected him to still be with the team by the All-Star break.

That expectation quickly shifted, considering Conforto carried a 145 wRC+ through the first month of the season. At the start of May, he was starting to find his power, hitting three home runs through the first three weeks of the month.

Cubs have clear options to consider for Michael Conforto replacements

Since May 17, it would seem that regression has settled in. Conforto has five hits in his last 52 plate appearances entering the weekend, and striking out over 40% of the time. While Conforto has been praised for the presence he has in the clubhouse, if he doesn't break out of this slump, it would seem that he may actually wind up off the team by the middle of July.

Kevin Alcantara

Naturally, Kevin Alcantara is one of the first names that come to mind. The problem is that the Cubs may have already soured on Alcantara's value as a bench piece for this roster. Alcantara had multiple base running gaffes during his previous stint with the big-league club, and it seemed that Craig Counsell wasn't eager to give him many plate appearances. Given that reality, it's hard to imagine Alcantara would be the one to replace Conforto.

BJ Murray

BJ Murray was once an ascending power-hitting prospect in the Cubs' system, but things took a turn last year when he was demoted back to Double-A. He seems to be bouncing back this season with the Iowa Cubs, slashing .304/.404/.489 with seven home runs and a wRC+ of 130. A switch-hitter capable of playing first base, third base, and left field, Murray would also add additional versatility to the Cubs' bench. Not to mention, he's need to be added to the 40-man roster before the next Rule 5 draft.

Trade Deadline addition

This is a little bit of a copout, but chances are the Cubs won't rule out adding a bat to the bench ahead of the deadline. First, the Cubs will need to be buyers at the deadline, but if they are, Jed Hoyer's history would suggest that another bat will be added to this group by the end of the summer. Not to mention, the inconsistencies of the Cubs' offense as a whole would suggest an external addition is needed.

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