The Chicago Cubs have officially released veteran infielder Nicky Lopez, granting his request following an opt-out clause in his minor league contract. Lopez, 30, had signed with the Cubs as a non-roster invitee in February, hoping to secure a role as a versatile defender in the infield.
According to Jon Heyman on X (formerly Twitter), “Nicky Lopez requested and was granted his release by the Cubs today per the opt-out in his contract, in order to pursue other opportunities.”
Though Lopez performed well in Spring Training, posting an impressive .450/.542/.550 slash line in limited at-bats, the Cubs’ depth in the infield — bolstered by the additions of Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján, along with the rise of top prospect Matt Shaw — reduced his chances. The Cubs’ decision to leave him off the 31-man roster for their opening series in Japan was likely the final factor in his decision to seek other opportunities.
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Lopez spent the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox, appearing in 124 games but posting a modest .241/.312/.294 batting line. Defensively, he’s highly regarded by metrics such as Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, which highlight his versatility across multiple infield positions. His reliable glove at critical spots could make him an appealing option for teams needing depth.
The Cubs’ decision reflects their confidence in their current infield depth, with players like Bruján, Berti, and Gage Workman ready to step in. Lopez will now look for a team offering immediate major league playing time.
Lopez’s release could signal a busy weekend for similar players with opt-out clauses as they seek roles on major league rosters ahead of Opening Day. Given his defensive skills and consistent contact ability, Lopez is unlikely to remain unsigned for long.
