The Chicago Cubs have signed another backup infielder and it’s a familiar name in former White Sox player Nicky Lopez. The 29-year-old played in 124 games on the South Side last season.
The Cubs have completely swapped out their bench this offseason and Lopez is the latest player to join the infield mix. According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers Lopez can earn $1.5 million if he makes the Opening Day roster.
Lopez will make $1.5 million if he makes the big league club. Lopez goes from the S Side to the N Side. Mike Tauchman is doing the reverse. https://t.co/msu551bOwk
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 2, 2025
Seems like more of the same from what the Cubs have already added to the roster. Earlier this winter the Cubs traded for Vidal Bruján, who has been a dreadful hitter in his limited time in the majors and Lopez is only a slight upgrade over him.
While Lopez isn’t much of a threat on offense, he does provide solid defense up in the middle. He posted 4 Outs Above Average at second base and 1 OAA at shortstop in 2024 with the White Sox, while also recording positive marks on defense at third base with the Kansas City Royals.
Lopez had a 77 wRC+ in 398 plate appearances with the White Sox. He slashed .241/.312/.294, with an 8.3 BB%. Pretty much a left-handed Nick Madrigal, who draws a few more walks. For his career, Lopez has a 73 wRC+, slashing 248/.312/.314. He had one great season in 2021, when he batted an even .300, but other than that year Lopez has been nothing more than a bench-caliber player, who mostly provides value with his glove.
I will say that Lopez was at least closer to league average at the dish for most of his playing time in 2024. From May through the end of the season he had a 92 wRC+ with a slash line of .261/.332/.329, in 312 plate appearances. You could certainly do worse as the emergency backup infielder.
Along with Lopez and Bruján the Cubs have Jon Berti, Gage Workman and Benjamin Cowles competing in spring training for roster spots. Out of those guys, Berti is pretty much penciled into the Opening Day roster. To be clear though, Lopez is on a minor league deal, so he’s got some work to do if he’s going to win a bench role.
A decent depth infielder to have at Triple-A, but hopefully the Cubs don’t actually have to rely on Lopez at any point in 2025 if he sticks around following spring training.
