Cubs bring back familiar face in Nicky Lopez

May 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Nicky Lopez (12) after the game against thew Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Cubs bring back familiar face in Nicky Lopez

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Alex Patt | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 10:06 PM ET

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The Cubs are bringing back former infielder Nicky Lopez to the organization. Lopez, 31, is being acquired from the Rockies via trade for cash considerations. The versatile Chicagoland native was with the Cubs organization last year on two separate stints: first in Spring Training before being released, then brought back last April (a year to the day).

Per MLB Trade Rumors, he will not be immediately added to the 40-man roster, as he is on a Minor League deal. Time will tell if/when that happens.

The Cubs acquired INF Nicky Lopez from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for cash considerations, per the team.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 23, 2026

Return of “Naperville Nicky”

Lopez did not have a memorable tenure with the Cubs last year, playing in just 14 games and posting a .056/.227/.056 line with one RBI and no homers. Outside of an impressive 2021 season with the Royals, he has never been known for his bat, sporting a career slash of .245/.310/.311 and .621 OPS in 686 MLB games. He is, however, a good defender at second and third, as well as a good runner of the bases.

In 2561.1 career innings at second, he sports a career 7 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved), 20 OAA (Statcast Outs Above Average), and 14 FRV (Statcast Fielding Runs Value). In 443.0 innings at third, he is a 6 DRS, 9 OAA, and 6 FRV at the hot corner. For what it is worth, he is also a career 33 OAA fielder at short, though much of that was accomplished in 2021.

He’s simply a 26th man option within the organization. Scott Kingery holds similar offensive and baserunning value, but a fraction of the defensive value Lopez has. Cubs fans saw the rough misplays at third the other night. One can imagine why they would want to add more reliable defensive depth after that.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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