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Nicky Lopez

Nicky Lopez (born March 13, 1995) is an American professional baseball who plays second base, shortstop, and third base, and is currently a following the 2025 (MLB) season. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, he bats left-handed and throws right-handed. A native of , Lopez attended and , where he excelled as a college before being selected by the in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Royals on May 14, 2019, and has since appeared in 686 games across seven seasons, primarily valued for his defensive prowess and on-base skills. As of November 6, 2025, Lopez elected free agency after spending the 2025 season with the Cubs and . Lopez's professional career began in the Royals' minor league system, where he progressed quickly as a contact hitter and elite defender, earning the organization's Hitter of the Year award in 2018 after batting .308 across Double-A and Triple-A levels. Upon his promotion to the majors, he became a key part of the ' infield, posting a .300 in 2021 (career high, 5th in ) while leading the with 12 sacrifice hits that year; in 2022, he had 10 sacrifice hits (tied for 3rd in ). That season, he also received the Mike Swanson Good Guy Award for exemplifying cooperation with the media and fans. Traded to the in August 2023, Lopez had a brief but notable stint, including a four-hit, five-RBI game (and scoreless pitching inning) against the Mets. He joined the as a ahead of the 2024 season, where he continued to contribute defensively and offensively, hitting his first career leadoff on September 4, 2024. In 2025, Lopez split time between the and Chicago Cubs, signing a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Angels before joining the Cubs on April 23; he appeared in 18 total MLB games, providing versatile infield depth during the Cubs' 92-70 campaign, which ended in a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Lopez had multiple affiliations that year, including brief stints with the Angels and two periods with the Cubs organization. Throughout his career, Lopez has maintained a reputation for reliability and community involvement, including hosting a 16-inch softball classic in to support Chicago-area cancer resource groups. His defensive metrics highlight his value, with positive Outs Above Average ratings at multiple infield positions, though he has yet to win a . As a entering his age-31 season, Lopez's blend of experience, speed, and glove work positions him as a potential for contending teams in 2026.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Nicky Lopez was born on March 13, 1995, in Naperville, Illinois, to parents Bob and Angela Lopez. As the youngest of three brothers, Lopez grew up in Naperville alongside his older siblings, Bobby and Anthony, in a close-knit family environment that emphasized athletic pursuits. His family, of Italian descent, resided in the suburban Chicago community, where local sports traditions played a significant role in daily life. Lopez's early exposure to baseball stemmed from his father's deep involvement in 16-inch softball, a popular Chicago-area sport in which Bob Lopez was a legendary player and Hall of Famer. He often accompanied his father to games, fostering an early passion for the sport amid family outings and the vibrant Naperville softball scene. This environment, combined with strong family and community support, shaped his initial youth experiences, including playing in local little leagues. These foundational years in Naperville laid the groundwork for Lopez's organized baseball journey, leading him to Naperville Central High School.

High school career

Nicky Lopez attended Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois, where he played baseball for four years. As a senior in 2013, Lopez batted .398, raising his average by 128 points from the previous season, and earned All-DuPage Valley Conference recognition for the second consecutive year. In one notable conference game that year, he went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, contributing to a win over Naperville North. Defensively at shortstop, Lopez demonstrated advanced actions, fluid footwork, and a strong arm, consistently fielding balls out front with soft hands. Lopez served as a leader on the Naperville Central team, helping guide the Redhawks to a sectional championship in 2012 during his junior year and providing key contributions both on and off the field throughout his high school tenure. His standout defensive skills and contact-oriented left-handed hitting drew recruitment interest from colleges, leading him to commit to Creighton University. In recognition of his high school accomplishments, Lopez was inducted into the Naperville Central Athletic Hall of Fame on January 26, 2024.

College career

Lopez enrolled at in , in 2014, where he played for the Creighton Bluejays for three seasons. As a , he appeared in 48 games, primarily at third base, and batted .276 with 43 hits in 156 at-bats. During his year in 2015, Lopez transitioned to , starting all 43 games at the position while batting .246 and leading the team with six . His junior season in 2016 marked a breakout, as he started all 55 games at , hit .306 with 60 hits, two home runs, and 22 RBIs in 196 at-bats, and led the Bluejays in (6) and sacrifice bunts (10). Over his college career, Lopez maintained a .277 across 146 games and 519 at-bats, with 144 hits, 25 stolen bases, and just two home runs, showcasing his contact-oriented approach and base-running ability. His development into a reliable and improved offensive output in his final year contributed to his selection by the in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Lopez was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round, 163rd overall, of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft out of Creighton University. He signed with the team on June 20, 2016, receiving a signing bonus of $243,300, which was below the slot value of $324,800 for his draft position. Lopez began his professional career that summer with the Rookie-level Burlington Royals of the Appalachian League, where he batted .281 with six home runs and 24 stolen bases over 62 games, demonstrating strong speed and contact skills at shortstop. In 2017, he advanced to High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks, hitting .295 in 70 games before earning a midseason promotion to Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals, where he posted a .259 average in 59 games. His defensive prowess at shortstop was evident, with a .972 fielding percentage across 129 games that year. Returning to Double-A in 2018, Lopez had a breakout season, batting .331 with a .387 and earning a Mid-Season selection after slashing .340/.396/.430 in the first half. He was promoted to Triple-A in July, where he hit .278 with seven home runs in 57 games, maintaining elite defense with a .987 fielding at . Lopez opened with Omaha, excelling with a .353 average, .419 , and nine stolen bases in 31 games, highlighting his plate discipline and range that paved the way for his major league debut later that season. Over his tenure with the from 2016 to 2019, Lopez compiled a in 347 games, stealing 69 bases at a 73% success rate while committing just 28 errors at across 1,248 for a career .978 fielding percentage.

Kansas City Royals

Lopez made his major league debut with the Kansas City Royals on May 14, 2019, starting at shortstop against the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. In his first at-bat, he drew a walk, and later in the seventh inning, he recorded his first career hit—a single to left field that drove in a run during an 11-5 Royals victory. His family, present in the stands, celebrated enthusiastically, with high-fives and cheers marking the moment as Lopez became the first player from Creighton University to reach the majors since 1999. Shortly after his call-up from Triple-A Omaha, where he had honed his skills as a contact hitter and defender, Lopez joined the Royals' annual Fathers Trip, allowing him to share the road experience with his father, Bob, a former semipro softball player who had coached him growing up. Over his Royals tenure from 2019 to mid-2023, Lopez established himself as a reliable , primarily at and second base, posting a .248 with 5 home runs and 119 RBIs in 519 games. His standout season came in , when he batted .300 with 149 hits, 2 home runs, and 43 RBIs across 151 games, becoming the first regular to reach that mark in a full season. That year, Lopez revamped his approach at the plate, emphasizing patience and contact, which contributed to career-best plate discipline: he drew 49 walks while striking out 74 times, a marked improvement from his 92 strikeouts the prior season. Defensively, Lopez excelled at , leading shortstops with a .987 fielding percentage in the 2020 season (7 errors in 534 chances). His glove work earned him a spot as a finalist for the Rawlings at second base that year, despite primarily playing , highlighting his versatility and range across the infield. On July 30, 2023, ahead of the trade deadline, the traded Lopez to the in exchange for left-handed pitcher Taylor Hearn, ending his four-and-a-half-year stint with Kansas City.

Atlanta Braves

On July 30, 2023, the acquired infielder Nicky Lopez from the in exchange for left-handed pitcher Taylor Hearn, adding defensive depth to their infield late in the season. Lopez, who had established a reputation for elite defense during his Royals tenure, was valued for his versatility across multiple positions. With the Braves, Lopez served primarily as a utility infielder, providing capable at , second base, and third base in 25 games during the remainder of the 2023 season. He appeared in 25 games overall, batting .277 with one , 12 RBIs, and a .702 , while maintaining a low rate that underscored his contact-oriented approach. A standout performance came on August 12, 2023, in a 21-3 rout of the , where Lopez went 4-for-6 with a three-run —his only long ball of the year with —driving in five runs and even pitching a scoreless ninth inning as a . Lopez's time with the Braves concluded on November 16, 2023, when he was traded to the as part of a five-player package in exchange for relief pitcher .

Chicago White Sox

On November 16, 2023, the acquired Nicky Lopez from the as part of a multi-player trade that sent reliever to . To secure his services for the upcoming season, Lopez signed a one-year, $4.3 million contract with the White Sox on January 11, 2024, avoiding . Lopez spent the entire 2024 season with the White Sox, appearing in 124 games primarily as a utility infielder at second base and . He batted .241 with 40 runs scored, three home runs, and 21 RBIs over 398 at-bats, providing steady defense in the infield for the last-place team. His role emphasized versatility and reliability, contributing to the White Sox's efforts to stabilize their middle infield amid a challenging campaign. As a native, Lopez expressed strong hometown pride during his time with the White Sox, noting the significance of playing close to home where his parents and two older brothers still reside. The proximity allowed for robust family support, enhancing his connection to the area and motivating his performance on the South Side. Lopez also engaged in community efforts, hosting the inaugural Nicky Lopez Charity Classic in Naperville in July 2024, an event co-organized with his wife, , to benefit local causes and raise funds for youth programs. Following the season, Lopez elected free agency on November 12, 2024, after clearing waivers and declining an outright assignment to the minors.

Los Angeles Angels

On March 25, 2025, the signed Nicky Lopez to a one-year contract worth $850,000, adding the veteran to their 40-man roster as a utility option for the infield. This deal came shortly after Lopez's release from the Cubs' roster, positioning him to provide defensive versatility at second base, , and third base based on his prior experience. Lopez made his Angels debut on , March 27, 2025, against the in an unconventional role, entering as a to pitch the final out of the eighth inning during an 8-1 loss. With the game well out of reach, Lopez threw eight pitches—three strikes—to record the out against , marking his first and only pitching appearance in the majors and highlighting the Angels' constraints early in the . In his brief stint with the Angels, Lopez appeared in four games but struggled offensively, going 0-for-6 with one and no walks, which contributed to his limited playing time behind the team's primary infielders. On April 18, 2025, the Angels designated Lopez for assignment to clear a roster spot, ending his short tenure with the organization after just over three weeks.

Chicago Cubs (first stint)

On April 23, 2025, the Cubs signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year contract after he was by the earlier that month. A native, Lopez had grown up idolizing the Cubs and watching their games from his family's home in the suburbs, making the opportunity to play for his hometown team a fulfillment of a lifelong dream. On the night before the signing, Lopez and his wife, Sydney, had been watching the Cubs' comeback victory over the from their home in , unaware that the call from was imminent. Lopez made his Cubs debut on April 26, 2025, against the Milwaukee Brewers at , entering as a defensive replacement at second base in the eighth inning of a 7-1 loss. Over the next three weeks, he appeared in 14 games primarily as a utility and , batting .056 (1-for-18) with one , four walks, and three strikeouts. His lone hit came on May 3 against the , a single off left-hander . Despite the emotional high of joining the Cubs, Lopez's limited playing time and struggles at the plate led to his designation for assignment on May 19, 2025, to make room for the return of third baseman Matt Shaw from the injured list. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs, on May 21, where he continued to develop as a versatile defender.

Arizona Diamondbacks

After being by the Chicago Cubs earlier in the 2025 season, Lopez signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 27, 2025. He was assigned to the team's Triple-A affiliate, the , where he provided infield depth and appeared in 24 games, batting .267 with 27 hits, three doubles, one triple, and seven . On July 1, 2025, Lopez exercised an opt-out clause in his contract to become a and explore other opportunities.

New York Yankees

After opting out of his minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Lopez signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees on July 3, 2025. He was immediately assigned to the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. In 25 games with the RailRiders, Lopez posted a .263 , along with a .338 and .333 , including two doubles, six , nine runs scored, and four stolen bases. Despite the solid performance, he did not receive a call-up to the roster. On August 2, 2025, Lopez exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, becoming a once again.

Chicago Cubs (second stint)

Following his opt-out from a minor league contract with the New York Yankees on August 1, 2025, Lopez signed another minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs on August 9, 2025, and was assigned to Triple-A . This marked his third affiliation with the Cubs organization in 2025, where he served as a versatile utility capable of playing second base, , and third base during his time in the minors. Lopez did not receive a major league call-up during this second stint, spending the remainder of the regular season with the in Triple-A, where he focused on maintaining his defensive reliability and contact-oriented approach at the plate. Across his two stints with the Cubs in 2025, Lopez appeared in 14 games, batting .056 with one hit, one , and four walks in 18 at-bats, providing depth as a left-handed bat and infield option off the bench. His overall contributions underscored his value as a glove-first player in utility roles, though limited playing time highlighted the competitive depth in the Cubs' infield. On November 6, 2025, Lopez elected upon the expiration of his contract with the Cubs, becoming an unrestricted eligible to sign with any team for the 2026 season. As of November 9, 2025, he remains unsigned and available on the .

International career

Eligibility and heritage

Nicky Lopez possesses Italian-American heritage through his family lineage, which traces back to ancestors who originated from . This ancestral connection qualifies him to represent in international baseball under the (WBC) eligibility criteria, which allow players to compete for a country if they are eligible for or a according to that nation's laws. Italy's citizenship laws follow the principle of , granting eligibility to descendants of Italian citizens regardless of birthplace, provided the lineage can be documented. Lopez meets this standard through his forebears, enabling his selection for Team without prior residency or birth in the country. Lopez has openly expressed pride in his Italian-American identity, stating that the opportunity to play for allowed him to honor the place "where my ancestors grew up and are from." This heritage played a key role in his decision to join the national team, marking a meaningful connection to his roots. Prior to the 2023 , Lopez had no experience representing any national team in international competition.

2023 World Baseball Classic

In January 2023, Nicky Lopez was selected to the 30-man roster for Team in the , joining other MLB talent with Italian heritage-eligible athletes, with Lopez providing infield versatility. Lopez appeared in five games for Team , posting a .304 (7-for-23) with a .333 , .435 , and .768 . His performance included three doubles, a triple, four RBIs, and three runs scored, while his defense earned praise for Gold Glove-caliber plays, including diving stops and key double plays that anchored Italy's infield. In pool play at Taichung's Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, Lopez contributed crucially to Italy's 2-2 record and advancement via tiebreaker: he recorded a two-run single in the 10th during a 6-3 win over on March 9, added a single and executed a game-tying squeeze bunt in a 7-11 loss to on March 10, went 2-for-4 in a 0-2 against on March 11, and tripled for two RBIs in a 7-1 victory over the on 12. In the quarterfinals against on March 16 at , Lopez made standout defensive plays, including a pair to escape a jam in the first , though Italy fell 9-3 and was eliminated. Team fostered a vibrant, celebratory culture during the tournament, exemplified by the players collectively growing mustaches to build camaraderie and embrace their heritage, which Lopez described as creating a close-knit group of "hungry individuals who want to make a name for ourselves and for ." Post-tournament, Lopez reflected on the experience as "an unbelievable experience," emphasizing the pride in representing alongside teammates and contributing to the team's deepest run since 2013. He highlighted the special team effort, stating after the win, "It was a real team performance. Each of us gave everything. We are proud to wear the shirt with the word Italia on our chest."

Playing style

Offense

Nicky Lopez is a contact-oriented left-handed batter known for his disciplined approach at the plate, consistently maintaining low rates throughout his career. In , his breakout season with the , he posted a 13.1% rate with 74 strikeouts across 565 plate appearances, well below the league average, while achieving a .365 driven by strong zone contact (91.6%) and a reduced rate of 22.8%. His career rate hovers around 11-13%, reflecting an ability to put the ball in play frequently, with a .245 and .308 over seven major league seasons. This contact-first style has limited his power output, as evidenced by just seven home runs in over 1,800 career at-bats. Lopez embodies a small-ball offensive profile, emphasizing singles, situational hitting, and advancing runners without relying on extra-base power. During his college career at , he led the team with 10 sacrifice bunts in 2016, showcasing his willingness to contribute in non-traditional ways. In the majors, his approach prioritizes line drives and ground balls to the opposite field—rising to 29.7% opposite-field hits in 2021—making him effective in high-leverage spots like moving runners from third with fewer than two outs. This utility has been particularly valuable in lineups favoring speed and on-base skills over slugging, where his career .621 aligns with a role as a table-setter rather than a primary run producer. On the basepaths, Lopez demonstrates above-average speed for an , with a plus sprint speed that supports his 47 career stolen bases at an 81% success rate. He has been deployed in late-game substitutions to exploit his baserunning acumen, recording 22 steals in 23 attempts during his 2021 campaign alone. Advanced metrics highlight his efficiency in advancing on hits and wild pitches, contributing positively to team run creation through smart, opportunistic rather than high-volume thefts. Lopez's offensive evolution peaked in 2021 following a shift that emphasized aggression on fastballs and avoiding passive at-bats, leading to career-best marks in (.300) and walks (49). Prior struggles with a 21.4% rate in limited 2020 action prompted this adjustment, where he focused on trusting his natural swing and increasing exit velocity to 87.1 mph while cutting his whiff rate on fastballs from 16.1% to 10.1%. This balance of patience and selectivity has sustained his value as a reliable on-base threat, even as power remains a secondary trait.

Defense

Nicky Lopez has established himself as an elite defender in the infield, particularly at , where his range, quick hands, and instincts have earned widespread recognition. In , he was a finalist for the Rawlings at second base, leading all second basemen with +8 () that season. His defensive prowess extended to as well, where he posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in limited action, contributing to his status as one of the ' top fielders by advanced metrics. Lopez's reliability is further highlighted by extended error-free stretches, including a franchise-record 72 consecutive games without an error at from May 5 to August 13, 2021. Lopez demonstrates exceptional positional versatility across the infield, primarily anchoring but excelling at second base, third base, and utility roles as needed. Career totals show him handling 1,262 chances at second base with a .990 and +5 , 1,086 chances at with a .985 and +3 in his standout 2021 season alone, and a flawless 1.000 at third base across 138 chances with no errors. This adaptability has made him a valuable super-utility player, with career +5 per Baseball-Reference and +64 defensive runs above average per across multiple positions. In , Lopez solidified his reputation as a premier defender, starting 136 games at the position and ranking among the league leaders in total chances turned (554) while contributing +5 Runs Fielded Above Average. His multi-position capabilities were on full display during his 2025 stints with the and Cubs, where he appeared at (4 chances, .750 fielding percentage), second base, third base (perfect 1.000 fielding percentage), and even left field, providing infield depth amid roster shuffling. These performances underscore Lopez's consistent defensive impact, prioritizing error prevention and range over volume.

Personal life

Family

Nicky Lopez was born to parents Bob and Angela Lopez, who reside in . Bob Lopez, a longtime player and Hall of Famer, instilled a passion for the sport in his sons through his own dedication to the game. Angela Lopez has been a steadfast supporter, notably presenting her son at his induction into the Naperville Central Athletic Hall of Fame in January 2024. Lopez has two older brothers, and , who have provided consistent encouragement throughout his career. The entire family attended his major league debut with the Kansas City Royals on May 14, 2019, against the , where they celebrated his first hit with high fives and expressed profound pride in his journey from the minors. Lopez has credited his parents and brothers for shaping his values, noting that they emphasized respect and kindness, which remain central to his approach both on and off the field. The Lopez family's proximity to Chicago has allowed them to remain actively involved in his professional life, particularly during his stints with the and later the Cubs. Residing in Naperville, they have continued to attend games and events, reinforcing the strong familial bonds that have influenced Lopez's development as a player.

Marriage

Nicky Lopez proposed to his longtime girlfriend Sydney Lamberty in August 2021 at Milton Lee Olive Park in . The couple, who first met in 2014 as students at and began dating in April 2015, celebrated their engagement as a milestone in their relationship built on mutual support and shared values. Lopez and Lamberty married on November 17, 2023, in an intimate outdoor ceremony at the Chateau Dumont estate in . The three-day event, attended by just 26 close family members and friends, featured a relaxed atmosphere with personalized touches, including floral arrangements and a focus on their love story. Lamberty has been a steadfast partner to Lopez, providing unwavering support through his professional transitions in . Lopez has praised her loyalty and kindness, noting how she admires his generosity and stands by him during career demands. Post-marriage, the couple has made their home in an apartment in , where they balance personal life with Lopez's extensive travel schedule for and the regular season. This arrangement allows them to maintain closeness during offseasons while adapting to the rigors of his athletic commitments.

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