Here’s an admission: when the Chicago Cubs called up Pedro Ramirez last week, my immediate instinct was that there was probably an injury. Because otherwise, why?
Now, my instinct proved to be correct (Matt Shaw went on the IL with a back issue), but I was kind of correct for the wrong reasons. Because I did not contemplate at any point, or factor into my discussion, the fact that Nicky Lopez was still on the roster. Had I remembered him, although I might’ve still guessed injury, I probably would’ve mentioned the fact that the Cubs were operating with a roster that featured a guy on the bench who never actually appeared in games. Of course, if he did appear in games, maybe I wouldn’t have forgotten him. I am not blameless here, but I have defenses.
Anyway, that is all an intro to the fact that, after Lopez was DFA’d the next day to open up a spot for Kevin Alcantara, he ultimately cleared waivers and elected free agency when he was outrighted by the Cubs. It didn’t take long for him to find a new home:
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/XrdN3dkLT0
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 27, 2026Lopez, because he runs the bases well and can offer a solid glove pretty much anywhere, is always going to have fringe value to SOME roster out there. For the Cubs, it kinda stopped making sense a long time ago – he last appeared in a game with the Cubs on May 9(!).
An interesting interrelated item here: the Cubs lost Lopez when they brought up Alcantara, who was brought up to be a right-handed-hitting outfielder who makes only rare appearances off the bench. If the Cubs were to decide that isn’t the best for his development, but wanted to replace him with a veteran equivalent … how about the guy the Rangers just ditched to pick up Lopez?
Now, Andrew McCutchen is obviously not the guy he once was, but in a role that would see him appear off the bench so rarely? With his veteran presence and all that experience and knowledge and fun he could bring to a clubhouse? He hit lefties well just last year, and this year, the sample is tiny (and features a BABIP near .200). Maybe he still has it against lefties?
Just something to think about. McCutchen will first go on waivers, where I doubt a club is going to claim the million-ish left on his deal. But once he clears, he’d be free to sign a minimum (or minor league) deal with any club.
Hence then, the article about farewell nicky lopez hello new bench option was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Farewell Nicky Lopez, Hello New Bench Option? )
Also on site :
- Pele, Maradona or Messi at No 1? The 50 greatest players in World Cup history
- King, Prince, and Sooryavanshi: Why cricket’s newest phenom is no one’s successor
- ‘He’s been fantastic': Hamilton opens up on key Ferrari change