As the Chicago Cubs approach their March 18 departure for Japan, where they will open the regular season with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the organization continues to refine its roster. The latest adjustments have seen the release of relievers Ethan Roberts and Luke Little, with more difficult choices still to be made in the coming days.
Among those decisions, the Cubs have opted not to include infielder Nicky Lopez in their traveling roster for the Japan series. According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Lopez will remain in the United States instead of making the trip overseas with the team.
Lopez, who signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on February 2, was actively competing for a roster spot during spring training. Despite an impressive showing at the plate—batting .474/.565/.579 with an OPS of 1.144 across eight games, including two doubles—the Cubs have decided against taking him to Japan.
Last season, Lopez appeared in 124 games for the Chicago White Sox. While his offensive numbers were modest, hitting .241/.312/.294 with an OPS of .606, his defensive prowess remained a strong suit. His defensive efforts were recognized as he was named a finalist for the American League Gold Glove Award at second base.
Lopez’s exclusion from the Japan trip raises questions about his prospects for making the Cubs’ Opening Day roster when the team heads to Arizona for the March 27 season opener. Given this development, it appears increasingly likely that he will begin the season in the minors.
The decision now rests with Lopez on whether he will accept an assignment to the minor leagues and serve as organizational depth in case of an injury or explore opportunities with another club. If he opts to seek a new team, his strong spring performance could make him an attractive option for other organizations in need of infield depth.
As the Cubs finalize their roster ahead of the regular season, Lopez’s status remains a storyline to watch, with his defensive abilities and recent offensive resurgence potentially making him a valuable asset elsewhere in Major League Baseball.