Veteran infielder Nicky Lopez agreed to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs over the weekend, marking his third tenure with the organization this season, according to the MiLB.com transaction log. After opting out of a minor league deal with the New York Yankees last week, Lopez quickly returned to the Cubs and was already in the lineup for their Triple-A affiliate by the following day.
Season Marked by Several Team Changes and Limited Major League Action
Lopez initially signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in February but did not secure a spot on the major league roster during spring training. After opting out of that deal, he joined the Los Angeles Angels on a major league contract; however, that stint lasted only five games before he was released. Following that, Lopez returned to the Cubs on a major league deal and appeared in 14 games as a reserve before being designated for assignment again. Subsequently, he signed minor league contracts with both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Yankees but exercised opt-outs from each.
Playing Time and Performance Overview Throughout the Season
This season has been a whirlwind for Lopez in terms of transactions, having signed contracts with four different organizations but only participating in 19 major league games totaling 28 plate appearances. His batting performance in those limited opportunities has been underwhelming, going 1-for-24 with four walks and just three strikeouts. Lopez’s Triple-A numbers across the Cubs, Diamondbacks, and Yankees affiliates have been somewhat better but remain modest; in 42 games and 178 plate appearances, he has posted a .259 batting average with a .309 on-base percentage and a .315 slugging percentage.
Defensive Skills and Running Ability Highlight Lopez’s Value
While Lopez’s offensive contribution has been limited, he remains highly regarded for his defensive prowess. Primarily a glove-first utility infielder, Lopez has accumulated more than 2,300 innings across both middle infield positions. Advanced metrics from Statcast have praised his defensive performance, offering high grades at shortstop and elite evaluations at second base. At third base, despite fewer innings played (433), he has earned positive marks from both Statcast’s Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved, indicating strong defensive capability. Offensively, Lopez has been roughly an average runner, enhancing his value as a late-game substitution option.
Implications of Lopez’s Return for Cubs’ Roster and Depth
With the Cubs bolstering their infield depth through recent acquisitions like Willi Castro and the emergence of top prospect Matt Shaw—who has impressed with a .328 average, .349 on-base, and .770 slugging since the All-Star break—the immediate need for Lopez may not be urgent. Nonetheless, his versatility to play multiple infield positions offers Chicago extra depth. As rosters expand to 28 players in September, Lopez could provide manager Craig Counsell with valuable late-game options for pinch running and defensive substitutions.
“Lopez has rarely provided much help with the bat, however. He’s the consummate glove-first utility infielder.” —Unattributed
“He’s spent more than 2300 innings at both middle infield positions and drawn high-end grades from Statcast at each position.” —Unattributed
“Lopez hasn’t spent as much time at the hot corner (433 innings), but both Statcast’s Outs Above Average (9) and DRS (6) feel he’s been outstanding there.” —Unattributed
“The Cubs’ needs in the infield don’t look as pressing after Willi Castro was added at the deadline and now that top prospect Matt Shaw has caught fire.” —Unattributed
“He could be an option to join the club when rosters expand to 28 in September, providing skipper Craig Counsell with some late-game options in terms of both pinch-running and defensive shuffling.” —Unattributed