Lopez Leaving The Nest! Nicky Lopez Expected to Opt Out of Cubs Contract in Shocking Move
The Chicago Cubs trimmed their roster to 35 players on Sunday as they prepare to kick off the 2025 MLB season against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 and 19 in the Tokyo Series.
Nicky Lopez, who was among the group of seven players that were either optioned or reassigned, is expected to opt out of his minor league deal.
Patrick Mooney of The Athletic shared the news on Sunday, tweeting:
Nicky Lopez, the veteran infielder who had been in camp with the Cubs on a minor-league deal, is expected to explore his options elsewhere after the club decided to not place him on their traveling roster for the Tokyo Series.
Lopez has a clause in his contract that allows him to opt out of his minor league deal if he is not on the Major League roster when Spring Training ends.
While the situation could change as Chicago has five more Spring Training games after the Tokyo Series, he would also have to be added to the 40-man roster.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell shared that his 40-man roster status factored into the decision, stating:
Nicky had a heck of a camp. He did everything we wanted him to do. The other guys around the competition also played very, very well. So there’s a decision. And they’re on the roster, as well. Nicky’s had a great camp and it’ll turn out well for him, whatever happens here.
While the utility infielder is more known for his glove, Lopez has had a strong camp at the plate. He is hitting .450 with a 1.092 OPS in 24 plate appearances across nine games.
Chicago opted to bring Gage Workman and Vidal Brujan, who have both also performed well and are on the 40-man roster, to Tokyo.
