Infielder Nicky Lopez has decided to opt out of his minor league contract with the New York Yankees, making him a free agent once again, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Lopez initially signed with the Yankees organization in early May but has now opened himself to new signing possibilities as he looks to continue his professional baseball career.

Career Overview and Performance Trends of Lopez

Lopez, a 30-year-old middle infielder, was originally selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2019, spending his first two seasons in Kansas City as a light-hitting, defensive-oriented player. During those seasons, Lopez posted a modest .228/.279/.307 slash line with a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 55 across 159 games, indicating below-average offensive output.

In 2021, Lopez experienced a significant offensive surge, elevating his slash line to .300/.365/.378 with a wRC+ of 104. Combined with exceptional defensive skills at shortstop and 22 stolen bases, he delivered a strong 5.5 Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) season, showcasing his potential as a valuable contributor on both sides of the ball.

Inconsistent Offense and Defensive Decline in Recent Campaigns

Despite his promising 2021 campaign, Lopez’s offense regressed notably in 2022, posting a wRC+ of only 55, largely due to an unsustainable .347 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) the previous year. While his defense and baserunning remained above average, his offensive struggles continued in subsequent seasons. Throughout 2023 and 2024, Lopez bounced between teams like the Royals, Braves, Cubs, Angels, Diamondbacks, and Yankees, managing a .238/.317/.299 slash line and a 77 wRC+ overall. Though he maintained a high-contact approach, striking out at just 15.1%, he failed to provide sufficient power or consistent hitting to solidify a major league role.

Challenging 2024 Season and Minor League Performance

Lopez has faced difficulties securing a steady major league position in his current age-30 season. With limited action—just 19 games split between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels—he recorded a troubling 1-for-24 batting line with four walks and four strikeouts over 28 plate appearances. His performance in Triple-A with the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees affiliates has been markedly better but still unremarkable, posting a .266/.316/.323 slash line and an 11.5% strikeout rate.

Potential Role and Future Outlook for Lopez

While Lopez is unlikely to attract teams based on offensive skill, his above-average defense and contact proficiency position him as a valuable bench asset. Given the trade deadline has passed, it is expected that a team seeking infield depth may pursue him as a low-risk signing for the remainder of the season. Such a team might lean on Lopez to provide versatility and depth, especially if their roster is thin in middle infield options during the stretch run.

In contrast, the Yankees have limited need for additional infield depth after reinforcing their bench with acquisitions like Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario, and Jose Caballero. Additionally, they still maintain potential depth options in Braden Shewmake and Jorbit Vivas, who remain on the 40-man roster.

What Lies Ahead for Nicky Lopez’s Career Path

As Nicky Lopez enters free agency, his best opportunity might come from a team looking for defensive reliability and contact ability off the bench. Though his offensive numbers have not lived up to early-career promise, his experience and skill set could make him a situational asset in the final months of the season. The coming days will reveal which organization takes interest in adding Lopez to their roster and if he can carve out a useful role as the campaign progresses.