The Chicago Cubs signed versatile infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year contract on April 23, 2025 after releasing him earlier in the spring. The Cubbies initially offered a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training on February 7, 2025, but the 30-year-old utility man was one of the final roster cuts before the MLB Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. During 2025 Spring Training with the Cubs, he played in nine games and hit .450 (9-for-20).
The Team Italy 2023 World Baseball Classic spark plug (9-for-19, .474 BA, 2B, 3B, BB, SB, 2 R, 7 RBI) was an American League Gold Glove finalist last season while holding down second base for the Chicago White Sox (124 games, .241 BA). The left-handed hitter and speedster has played six seasons in the big leagues, mostly for the Kansas City Royals, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2016.
Nicky Lopez signed with the Los Angeles Angels on March 25, 2025 and made four sporatic MLB appearances (SS, 3B, LF) before being designated for assignment on April 18, 2025 to make room on the Halos roster for fan favorite Zach Neto after returning from the injured list. The proud Italian American has since made a few pinch-hit appearances and played second base for the National League Central first-place Cubs.
Nicky Lopez enjoyed every moment while wearing the Team Italy uniform in the 2023 WBC. He said, “It was an unbelievable experience. Just to be able to do it with Italy, where my ancestors grew up and are from and be able to visit Italy and see what life is like over there. I look forward to actually this next offseason going back there. But I mean, it was unbelievable, and I look forward to (representing) them again. We are proud to wear the shirt with the word Italia on our chest.”
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