Cubs Sign Former White Sox Infielder Nicky Lopez to Minor League Deal

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago Cubs have signed former White Sox infielder Nicky Lopez to a minor league deal, according to MLB insiders Jon Heyman and Jesse Rogers. The move, announced on Feb. 2, 2025, adds defensive depth to the Cubs’ Triple-A roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Lopez, 29, is known for his defensive prowess, having spent the 2024 season with the White Sox, where he posted a .241/.312/.294 batting line with a 77 wRC+ and 0.9 fWAR in 445 plate appearances. Despite his struggles at the plate, Lopez excelled in the field, finishing as a Gold Glove finalist at second base. He recorded a .989 fielding percentage, -1 defensive runs saved, and four outs above average in 640.1 innings at the position.

“Nicky is the type of player you want in your system for depth,” said a Cubs insider. “He’s a plus defender who can play multiple infield positions, and that’s valuable, especially in case of injuries.”

The Naperville native was projected to earn $5.1 million in arbitration this offseason, but the White Sox opted not to retain him as part of their payroll-cutting efforts. Lopez’s signing with the Cubs marks a return to the Chicago area, where he grew up and played high school baseball.

Lopez will compete for a bench role during Spring Training, though the Cubs’ infield is already anchored by All-Stars Dansby Swanson at shortstop and Nico Hoerner at second base. If he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, Lopez is expected to start the season at Triple-A Iowa, providing insurance for the Cubs’ infield.

“He’s a great depth piece,” said another source close to the team. “You don’t want to rely on him as a starter, but if something happens, he can step in and not hurt you defensively.”

Lopez joins a group of infielders vying for playing time, including Gage Workman, Vidal Brujan, and Jon Berti. The Cubs’ decision to sign Lopez reflects their strategy of building a deep roster as they aim to contend in the competitive National League Central.