The Cubs have granted Nicky Lopez his release request.

The Chicago Cubs have officially parted ways with veteran infielder Nicky Lopez, granting him his release after he triggered an opt-out clause in his minor league contract. Lopez, 30, originally signed with the Cubs as a non-roster invitee in early February, with hopes of securing a role as a versatile defensive asset in the team’s infield. Despite his efforts, Lopez will now pursue opportunities elsewhere after opting out of his deal with the Cubs.

“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.” via Jon Heyman on X, formerly Twitter.

Despite an impressive Spring Training performance, where he posted a strong .450/.542/.550 slash line in limited action, Nicky Lopez found himself on the outside looking in due to the Chicago Cubs’ deep infield roster. The additions of recently acquired Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján, combined with the rapid rise of top prospect Matt Shaw, ultimately limited Lopez’s chances to secure a spot on the team. As a result, he has opted to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The Cubs’ decision to leave Nicky Lopez off their 31-man roster for the season-opening trip to Japan was likely the final catalyst for him to explore other opportunities. Lopez spent the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox, playing in 124 games but posting a modest .241/.312/.294 batting line. With limited opportunities on the Cubs’ roster, especially given the team’s infield depth, Lopez chose to pursue a new path for the upcoming season.

Known more for his defensive prowess than his offensive output, Nicky Lopez offers significant value with his versatility, excelling at second base, shortstop, and third base. His best offensive season came in 2021 with the Kansas City Royals, when he posted an impressive .300/.365/.378 slash line. However, he has struggled to replicate that level of offensive production in the years since, with his value primarily lying in his ability to play multiple positions at a high defensive level.

Defensively, Nicky Lopez is highly regarded by advanced metrics such as Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, which highlight his strengths at multiple infield positions. His ability to reliably handle the glove at second base, shortstop, and third base makes him an attractive target for teams in need of depth and versatility.

The Cubs’ decision to part ways with Lopez reflects their confidence in their current infield mix, with depth pieces like Vidal Bruján, Jon Berti, and Rule 5 pick Gage Workman ready to contribute. Lopez will now look for opportunities elsewhere, likely seeking a team that can offer him immediate major-league playing time.

Lopez’s departure could signal the start of a busy weekend around the league, as other players with similar opt-out clauses explore roles on major-league rosters ahead of Opening Day. Given his proven defensive skills and consistent contact ability, Lopez shouldn’t remain unsigned for long.

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