Cubs Release Infielder Nicky Lopez After Minor League Deal

The Chicago Cubs have released infielder Nicky Lopez after he exercised an opt-out clause in his minor league contract, following his exclusion from the team's travel roster to Japan. Lopez, who had hoped to secure a spot as a bench player, faced stiff competition from others like Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján, which limited his chances of making the final roster. Over the past seasons, Lopez has struggled offensively, posting a career OPS of .626, despite showing promise in 2021 with a .300 batting average for the Kansas City Royals. With the Cubs' recent roster decisions, including promoting top prospect Matt Shaw, Lopez’s opportunities diminished significantly. He will now pursue other options as a free agent, potentially looking for a role that leverages his defensive skills. Lopez's release marks another chapter in his career after a lackluster season with the White Sox, where he accumulated a .606 OPS in 124 games.