Cubs insiders make surprising case for final spot on Opening Day roster

The expectation in recent weeks has been that the final spot on the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster would come down to either Vidal Bruján or Gage Workman.

Each player brings a contract situation that must be considered before the end of Opening Day. Bruján is out of minor-league options, this means that the Cubs would be forced to try and sneak him through waivers if he does not make the Opening Day roster. An unlikely practice given his positional versatility. Workman, meanwhile, is subject to the Rule 5 draft requirement that would see him be sent back to the Detroit Tigers if he does not make the Cubs' Opening Day roster.

It's also important to point out that neither player has had success at the Major League roster. Sure, each player has impressed during Cactus League play with the Cubs but Workman has yet to play above the Double-A level while Bruján has yet to flash any signs of offensive competency at the Major League level. There is a chance that the Cubs do hit on one of the two, but the odds may also be in favor of neither turning out to be the reliable piece on the Major League roster for the 2025 season.

Nicky Lopez may have the inside track on a Chicago Cubs' roster spot

That is why it's not too surprising to see Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma make the case for Nicky Lopez to make the Opening Day roster. While suggesting that Lopez may not make the Opening Day roster but would soon be a call-up, The Athletic Beat writers do believe that if healthy, Lopez will be on the Major League roster before too long.

After signing with the Cubs on a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training, Lopez has impressed while playing across the infield. Lopez has collected 9 hits in his first 18 at-bats of Cactus League play while seeing time at second base and third base. Lopez can also play shortstop if needed. After down season with the Chicago White Sox in 2024, Lopez is showing signs of being the hitter who slashed .277/.333/.369 during the closing months of the 2023 season with the Atlanta Braves.

Not factoring in the contract statuses of each player involved, Lopez would seemingly be the more sure-handed bet for the Cubs in terms of a bench piece capable of playing above-average defense. And, again, the contract statuses of Bruján or Workman shouldn't work in their favor considering the lack of Major League success.