The Cubs have agreed to a Minor League deal with free-agent infielder Nicky Lopez, a source told MLB.com. The club has not confirmed the move.

Lopez, who will turn 30 on March 13, spent last season playing second base and shortstop for the crosstown White Sox. The Naperville, Ill., native batted .241 with a .606 OPS across 445 plate appearances and owns a .626 OPS across six big league seasons split between the Royals, Braves and White Sox.

Although he doesn¡¯t make much of an impact at the plate, Lopez is a plus defender by outs above average. He accrued 5 OAA last year and has 53 OAA in the infield since the start of 2021. That ranks fifth among all qualified infielders.

Lopez could play a vital role early in the year with second baseman Nico Hoerner¡¯s status for Opening Day unclear after he underwent flexor tendon surgery on his right forearm on Oct. 11.

The Cubs begin their 2025 regular season in Tokyo, Japan, against the Dodgers on March 18.

Lopez is the Cubs¡¯ latest acquisition to improve the team¡¯s infield depth, following the signing of Jon Berti and the trade for Vidal Bruj¨¢n. Matt Shaw, the Cubs¡¯ No. 1 prospect and No. 19 in MLB, can also play some second base, but he is currently the front-runner to be Chicago¡¯s starting third baseman.