The Yankees are reportedly bolstering their infield depth.
According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Yankees are adding infielder Nicky Lopez on a minor-league deal.
Lopez, 30, has played for five different teams during his seven-year big league career. This season alone, Lopez has been with the Angels, Cubs, and Diamondbacks, appearing in 14 games with the Cubs and four with the Angels.
Though Lopez has never been a great hitter (career 72 OPS+ with a .245 batting average), he’s always been a wizard defensively. A Gold Glove finalist with the Royals in 2020 and the White Sox in 2024, Lopez ranked in the 88th percentile last season with 5 Outs Above Average.
While it’s no sure thing that he’ll make his way to the major league roster, Lopez gives the Yankees a very interesting potential bench player who could come into games late as a defensive replacement. Between Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, and DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees have had their issues along the infield, and Lopez, who can play just about anywhere, could be an instant defensive upgrade.
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