The Chicago Cubs have signed Nicky Lopez once again as they intensify efforts to reclaim ground in the National League Central standings. With their recent form showing just nine wins in the past 20 games, the Cubs now trail the Milwaukee Brewers by six games as the regular season nears its final 45 games. This move arrives just ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, signaling the team’s urgency to bolster their defensive depth and improve their chances of securing a playoff spot.
Offensive Inconsistency Spurs Need for Defensive Reinforcement
Despite a striking nine-run outburst in a recent game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs have struggled to maintain consistent offensive production, scoring only two runs in the games immediately before and after that performance. This volatility at the plate has contributed to the team’s stagnant record and has led management to explore ways to stabilize the lineup, particularly by enhancing their infield defense.
Lopez Added as a Versatile Infield Backup
Nicky Lopez has been acquired on a minor league deal, marking his third stint with the Cubs this season. After opting out of a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, where he appeared in 17 Triple-A games, Lopez returns to Chicago aiming to provide valuable defensive depth. At 30 years old, Lopez’s versatility allows him to cover every infield position except first base, making him an asset for the Cubs as they prepare for potentially grueling playoff competition.
Although Lopez’s offensive numbers have been underwhelming during his time with the Cubs this year—recording just one hit in 22 plate appearances between late April and mid-May—his defensive flexibility remains the primary reason for his return. He has gained experience this season by playing 18 games in the Major Leagues, including 14 with Chicago.
Depth Addition Reflects Contenders’ Late-Season Strategy
The Cubs’ decision to bring back Lopez mirrors a common approach taken by teams contending for postseason berths, emphasizing defensive reliability over offensive impact in key bench roles. With potential injuries looming for starters like Matt Shaw, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson, the Cubs require a dependable option in the infield to avoid relying on less-experienced prospects such as Ben Cowles or James Triantos. Lopez’s previous familiarity with the organization and proximity to his home make the arrangement mutually advantageous as the season reaches a critical phase.
Lopez’s Career Peak and Current Team Competition
Lopez’s standout performance came during the 2021 season with the Kansas City Royals, where he produced a .300 batting average, an on-base percentage of .365, and stole 22 bases over 151 games. That year, he posted an OPS+ of 104 and contributed 4.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), demonstrating his potential value in both offense and defense.
However, the Cubs have recently supplemented their infield depth by acquiring Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins and have seen progress from Matt Shaw, who has hit .267 with three home runs and five RBIs in his last ten outings. These developments diminish the likelihood that Lopez will secure a permanent spot on the Major League roster but increase the value of having him available as a reliable backup.
Implications for Cubs’ Postseason Hopes
As the Cubs pursue a comeback in the tight divisional race against the Brewers, Nicky Lopez’s return represents a tactical move to shore up defense without expecting significant offensive contributions. His signing underlines the delicate balance teams face between maintaining competitiveness and managing roster risks as the regular season winds down. Ultimately, the Cubs hope to rely on the health and performance of their established infielders, keeping Lopez as an insurance policy in case injuries arise during this intense playoff push.