MESA, Ariz. – The whiplash of Nicky Lopez’ last two seasons snapped his priorities into focus.
He ended 2023 pinch running and playing shortstop for the Braves in a National League Division Series. Then he was traded to the White Sox for their historic 121-loss season.
“I learned that I want to be a part of a winning environment,” said Lopez, a Naperville native. “I want to be a part of October baseball. And learned that it’s not always brighter playing every single day.”
Those reflections brought him to the Cubs, on a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league camp. The Cubs don’t have an everyday role for him. And even the competition for a spot on the bench is crowded. But they are the favorite to win the National League Central and have made their postseason expectations clear.
When the White Sox came to Sloan Park on Saturday, Lopez started at shortstop for the Cubs, facing a team that’s only setting its expectations at winning more games than last year’s 41.
“The good thing was – and everyone will say it that was inside that clubhouse – the clubhouse was good,” Lopez said. “People weren’t going at each other. We all hung out outside of the field. When we were on the road, we were getting dinners and stuff like that. Just didn’t win any games. … And it wasn’t due to the lack of effort, that’s for sure.”
Lopez played 124 games for the White Sox last year. He got to represent one of his hometown teams, spend more time with his family, and soak up Chicago in the summer.
“There’s no place like it,” Lopez said.
Most of his family members are Cubs fans. His dad Bobby Lopez, a member of the 16-inch softball Hall of Fame, is the exception, rooting for Chicago sports in general. Nicky himself said he was more of a Derek Jeter fan growing up; he watched a lot of Yankees games.
As Lopez surveyed his options as a free agent this winter, the Cubs offered a unique combination of opportunities. He could represent Chicago and join an organization with playoff aspirations – melding his experiences with the White Sox and Braves in to one.
“I had the taste of winning,” Lopez said. “And I had the taste of playoff baseball. Everyone will say, who’s been in the playoffs, it’s contagious and it’s addicting.”
Lopez is one of four utility players the Cubs added this winter. Veteran Jon Berti, who the Cubs signed to a one-year deal worth $2 million last month, is a lock for the Opening Day roster. Vidal Bruján and Gage Workman have the advantage of also already occupying 40-man roster spots. Bruján is out of minor-league options and Workman is a Rule 5 Draft pick, so they can’t be optioned to the minors.
Injuries to second baseman Nico Hoerner (forearm surgery) and third baseman Matt Shaw (oblique) could affect the roster picture, depending on how the two continue to progress in their rehab programs.
Hoerner is still ramping up throwing and Shaw is scheduled to advance to hitting on the field and throwing to bases next week.
As Lopez entered free agency this winter, he also reflected on his own strengths.
“That’s, one, the intangibles of being a good teammate, being a high-energy guy, getting to know all my teammates in that aspect,” he said. “But also being able to bounce around positions, giving guys days off if need be. And it kind of fit here.”
The Cubs aren’t platoon heavy. So, their bench will be filled with versatile players. Lopez could picture himself giving Hoerner or shortstop Dansby Swanson a day off.
“Whoever,” he said. “Third base, first base, left field. If anybody needs a day, I can fill that spot and know my role. That’s what it is. When you’re in arbitration, you’re trying to gain numbers, and you’re trying to build up and make your money and stuff like that. But I’m at the point where I want to win.
“I want to be a good teammate, and I want to win.”