The Chicago Cubs just made a roster move, designating infielder Nicky Lopez for assignment. This was expected, as Matt Shaw is about to rejoin the big leagues.
With this change, the Cubs’ 40-man roster drops to 39. Lopez has had a bumpy season, mostly valued for his defense.
Even though he’s struggled at the plate, his glove has kept him around. Now, with Shaw coming back, Lopez is in a tough spot and probably heading to waivers soon.
Background on Nicky Lopez
Nicky Lopez, 30, has had a whirlwind year with the Cubs. He signed a minor league deal over the winter, but opted out when he didn’t make the Opening Day roster.
He then landed a big league deal with the Angels, only to be released after less than a month. The Cubs, needing a defensive specialist, picked him up again on a major league deal.
Lopez’s bat just hasn’t come around. In 28 plate appearances over 19 games, he managed a rough .042/.179/.042 slash line.
Career Overview
Lopez has built his career on defense. Offensively, he’s posted a .245/.310/.311 line with a 72 wRC+ over 2,374 plate appearances.
His versatility is a plus—he can play all over the infield and even left field. That kind of flexibility has real value for teams needing a solid glove off the bench.
The Cubs’ Roster Moves
The Cubs designated Lopez as part of a bigger plan to fine-tune their roster. With Matt Shaw coming back, they needed to clear a spot, and Lopez, who hadn’t played much, became the odd man out.
This drops the 40-man roster to 39, giving the front office a little breathing room for whatever comes next.
Impact on the Cubs
Lopez leaving gives other players a shot to step up. Shaw’s return is interesting—he’s hoping to rebound from a slow start.
The Cubs are betting on Shaw to contribute more consistently on both sides of the ball. Lopez’s defense will be missed, but the team seems comfortable with the current group.
What’s Next for Nicky Lopez?
Lopez will likely hit waivers in the next few days. With his service time, he can reject an outright assignment and become a free agent.
That opens the door for him to catch on with another team that needs a glove-first infielder. Even with his offensive woes, someone might want that defense.
Potential Landing Spots
There are definitely teams out there who could use Lopez. Clubs needing defensive help or a flexible bench piece might take a look.
He can handle multiple infield spots and even left field, which adds to his appeal. The Pirates or Tigers, both in rebuilding mode, might see Lopez as a steadying presence in the infield.
Conclusion
The Cubs made a calculated move when they designated Nicky Lopez for assignment. They’re clearly trying to optimize the roster as Matt Shaw heads back up to the majors.
Lopez has shown solid defensive skills, but his struggles at the plate have held him back. Now, with waivers likely in his future, it’s tough to say where he’ll land next.
Still, that glove of his might catch another team’s eye. The Cubs, meanwhile, are clearly making space for new talent like Shaw.
For more details on this roster move, you can read the full article on MLB Trade Rumors.
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