The Chicago Cubs are attempting to improve their infield defense, reportedly trading for veteran Nicky Lopez in exchange for cash considerations. Lopez, 31, previously played in 14 games with the Cubs in 2025, and now he’s back after beginning this year at Triple-A in the Colorado Rockies minor league system.
Although the roster move has not been officially announced by the team, it’s fair to assume that the acquisition of Lopez means that Scott Kingery will be designated for assignment. Kingery made the team out of spring training as an extra infielder on the bench as Matt Shaw began the year splitting time in the outfield with Seiya Suzuki out with a knee sprain.
The Cubs haven’t really used Kingery, limiting the right-handed hitter to pinch-running duties, but earlier this week, he stayed in on defense after pinch-running for Moises Ballesteros in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. Kingery committed two throwing errors, including one in the ninth inning that gave the Phillies a scoring threat.
Lopez isn’t much of a hitter, but during his time with the Cubs last year, he was good on defense, which is really the main thing the Cubs want from the last man on the bench. Kingery definitely did not help his cause by making those two errors, and now he’s probably emptying out his locker inside the Cubs’ clubhouse.
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Kingery has played only eight games with the Cubs in 2026.
Lopez can play all over the infield, has decent speed, and that’s honestly all the Cubs want from him. It’s not like Lopez will ever be the first option off the bench to pinch-hit, but as long as he can field his position as a defensive sub, Craig Counsell will be happy.
In his career, Lopez has a slash line of .245/.310/.311, with seven home runs in 686 MLB games. The left-handed hitter was having a solid year at Triple-A so far through 15 games, posting a .906 OPS in 62 plate appearances.
So, a minor trade, but it’s one of those things where any competitive team is trying to improve at the margins when there’s a chance to do it.
