MLB Trade: Cubs & Rockies Swing Deal For 7-Year Veteran

The Chicago Cubs have brought defensive specialist Nicky Lopez back into the organization. They have re-acquired the versatile utilityman from the Colorado Rockies in a trade for cash considerations on Thursday afternoon.

Cubs acquire Inf Nicky Lopez from Colorado for cash considerations. A roster move likely will be made prior to Fridays game. Lopez is a favorite of manager Craig Counsell, who loves his defense and versatility.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) April 23, 2026

Lopez spent just 14 games with the Cubs in the 2025 season, but that was enough to catch the eye, and admiration, of Chicago manager Craig Counsell. Beat writer Bruce Levine reports that Lopez "is a favorite" of Counsell's, due to his defense and versatility.

The 31-year-old seven-year veteran has never been much with the bat, but he is a disciplined hitter who rarely strikes out. And in 15 games at Triple-A Albuquerque to start this season, he was batting .333 with 8 RBIs and a .906 OPS. He did post a .300 average in a full season with the KC Royals in 2021.

But it's his ability to play second, shortstop and third base, and do it well, that the Cubs have acquired him for. He has 53 Outs Above Average since 2021, consistently ranking near the top of that stat among infielders.

With Nico Hoerner (2B), Alex Bregman (3B), and Dansby Swanson (SS) the starters around the infield, Lopez certainly doesn't have a full-time job waiting for him in Chicago, and in fact, he'll report to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs for now. But he'll provide an option for a call-up to the bigs if the Cubs have a need on the infield.