Chicago White Sox: former Gold Glove finalist signs deal with crosstown rival

The Cubs are signing former White Sox infielder and Gold Glove finalist from last season Nicky Lopez, per the New York Post Jon Heyman. 

“Nicky Lopez to the Cubs”

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers adds that the deal is a minor league deal with a $1.5 million incentive if Lopez makes the Cubs big league roster. 

“As @JonHeyman just referenced, Nicky Lopez is signing a minor league deal with the Cubs, sources tell ESPN.”

“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.”

What the Cubs are getting in Lopez

The Cubs are getting a decent hitter at the plate in Lopez, who has tremendous defensive upside having the ability, to play all over the infield except for first. The 29-year-old Lopez was below average at the plate for the White Sox last season, hitting .241/.312/.294 for an OPS and OPS+ of .606 and 76 in 124 games. Lopez was no threat clearly from a power perspective, with only one home run on the season and just 12 doubles. 

When looking at the Illinois natives Baseball Savant, there are upsides to his offense ability that should bode well for him going into this season. Lopez did rank in the 95th percentile for squared-up percentage (32.3%) and the 89th percentile for his K percentage (15.1%). Lopez did provide a solid range on defense ranking in the 88th percentile for that as well. 

Lopez shouldn’t have that hard of a time making the Cubs roster with having the offensive upside and the versatility that the Cubs need. Being Lopez is on a minor league deal if he were to make the Cubs roster, he would have to be added to the Cubs 40-man, and make a corresponding move. 

The Cubs are getting a solid player 

Given Lopez is still under 30, he still has a lot of upside to give, and the Cubs may be able to bring that back out of him. 

Lopez will be entering a winning environment with the Cubs primed to make a playoff run this season, and with the White Sox getting younger, bringing Lopez back was never in the cards.