Report: Cubs agree to minor-league deal with Nicky Lopez
The Chicago Cubs agreed to a minor-league deal with second baseman Nicky Lopez, a source told ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Lopez will earn $1.5 million if he makes the Cubs out of spring training.
The 29-year-old spent the 2024 campaign on the South Side of Chicago with the White Sox.
The six-year MLB veteran slashed .241/.312/.294 with 16 extra-base hits, 21 RBIs, and five steals in 124 games last season. His best campaign came with the Kansas City Royals in 2021 when he posted a .300 batting average and amassed 5.5 fWAR in 151 contests.
Lopez typically grades as an above-average defender at second base, although he posted a minus-1 in defensive runs saved last season. He also has experience playing shortstop.
The Illinois native should provide the Cubs with additional infield depth. Starting second baseman Nico Hoerner underwent flexor tendon surgery on his right arm in October. It remains unclear if Hoerner will be ready for Opening Day.
HEADLINES
- MLB franchise rankings, Part I: Taking stock halfway through the decade
- Report: Tigers still interested in Bregman after recent additions
- Report: Tigers reunite with Flaherty on 2-year, $35M deal
- Grading Sasaki, Santander, Scott signings as MLB offseason rolls on
- Former MLB commissioner Fay Vincent dies at 86