Cubs trade for veteran infielder Craig Counsell just can't get enough of

The Chicago Cubs are bringing back a familiar face. The Cubs have traded for veteran infielder Nicky Lopez, sending cash considerations to the Colorado Rockies. Lopez spent part of the 2025 season with the Cubs and became a favorite of Craig Counsell's despite only appearing in 14 games. Lopez is expected to be added to the Cubs' roster before their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

In terms of making space for Lopez on the 40-man roster, the corresponding move will likely be transferring Porter Hodge to the 60-day IL. Hodge underwent UCL reconstruction surgery earlier this week and will be sidelined for the next 12-14 months.

Cubs make an early pivot to their bench options.

Assuming Lopez is indeed joining the Cubs in Los Angeles, it would seem likely that he will take the place of Scott Kingery on the bench. Kingery has largely been used as a pinch-runner this season, totaling only four plate appearances. He had two errors in the same game against the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this week, likely sealing his fate on the roster.

As the Cubs were aware of last season, Lopez is out of minor-league options. While Counsell reportedly loves Lopez's defense and ability to play across the infield, his bat left much to be desired last year. The 31-year-old slashed .056/.227/.956 through 22 plate appearances with the Cubs last season.

Swapping Kingery for Lopez may not have been possible without the look the Cubs had of Matt Shaw in center field on Thursday. With Kingery likely off the roster, Shaw now becomes the primary backup to Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field.

When you're a player like Lopez or Kingery, there's going to be a cap on your playing time. While the role leans toward being insignificant, Kingery making two errors in a single game likely made him expendable if he wasn't already.

Lopez may not be long for the roster either. As much as Counsell may like him, chances are Tyler Austin will likely get an opportunity to replace him if he can return in time from the knee surgery he had during spring training. Austin's potential return is still, or a month or two away, so Lopez may have more of a runway with the Cubs this season than he had last year.

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