The Cubs announced Wednesday that they’ve signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a big league deal. Infielder and Rule 5 pick Gage Workman was designated for assignment to open a spot on the roster. Photographer Sam Bernero first spotted Lopez heading into Wrigley Field this afternoon and tweeted out a photo she snapped. Shane Riordan of 670 The Score subsequently reported that Lopez, an Octagon client, was signing a major league deal.
Chicago also selected the contract of recently acquired lefty Drew Pomeranz, optioned righty Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa and transferred lefty Justin Steele from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL (thus opening a 40-man spot for Pomeranz). Steele recently underwent elbow surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, so his move to the 60-day IL was a formality.
Lopez was with the Cubs as a non-roster invitee in spring training but didn’t make the Opening Day club. He opted out of that deal and signed with the Angels, who needed some infield depth due to a handful of injuries. The Halos reinstated shortstop Zach Neto last week and designated Lopez for assignment, after which he elected free agency.
The 30-year-old Lopez appeared in five games and was hitless in six plate appearances in his short stint with the Angels. He’ll hope for a larger look with the Cubs, who have some questions in the infield after optioning struggling top prospect Matt Shaw and seeing the now-designated-for-assignment Workman struggle at the hot corner as well. Veteran utilityman Jon Berti has been seeing more time at third base recently, though he hasn’t hit much either — just .250/.344/.250 in an admittedly small sample of 32 plate appearances.
Lopez, like Berti, brings a versatile and high quality glove to the Cubs. He’s spent the bulk of his career in the middle infield where he grades as a plus-plus defender at both positions. He’s less experienced at third base but still has strong grades in nearly 400 frames there (7 Defensive Runs Saved, 6 Outs Above Average).
Excellent as Lopez is on the defensive side of the coin, his bat leaves plenty to be desired. He’s a career .247/.311/.313 hitter in 2352 plate appearances at the MLB level, and even that modest production is skewed by what now looks like a clear outlier campaign in 2021, when he batted .300/.365/.378. In three-plus seasons since that time, Lopez has limped to a .232/.301/.286 line between the Royals, Braves, White Sox and Angels.
Workman, 25, was selected out of the Tigers organization in December’s Rule 5 Draft and made the Opening Day roster after he hit .364/.420/.705 in 50 spring plate appearances. He hasn’t carried that outstanding production over to the regular season. He’s appeared in nine games but tallied only 15 plate appearances, during which he’s gone 2-for-14 with a walk. Workman never got a true look with the Cubs, which isn’t surprising, as it’s difficult for contending clubs to carry a career minor leaguer who can’t be optioned to the minors.
Workman is viewed as a plus defender at third base with plenty of raw power and too much swing-and-miss in his offensive profile. He spent the 2024 season with the Tigers’ Double-A affiliate, where he batted .280/.366/.476 with 18 homers, 30 steals, an 11.7% walk rate and a bloated 27.5% strikeout rate in his third season of action at that level. He’s yet to appear in a Triple-A game.
Now that he’s been designated for assignment, Workman will be placed on outright waivers and offered to the rest of the league (excluding the Tigers). If he goes unclaimed, he will by rule be offered back to the Tigers for $50K.
The veteran Pomeranz hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2021 due to a lengthy series of injuries. He inked a minor league deal with the Mariners in the offseason and tossed 9 2/3 frames with their Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma before being traded to the Cubs for cash. He allowed five earned runs (4.66 ERA) on nine hits and six walks (plus two hit batsmen) during that short stint with Tacoma. Clearly, Pomeranz’s command was an issue, but he also fanned 14 of his 43 opponents (32.6%) and sat 92.3 mph on his heater — a good bit north of the 90-91 mph he was sitting at during minor league stints with the Padres and Dodgers over the past two seasons.
How was Workman designated for assignment when he was a Rule V pick?
I’m not completely sure, but I think other teams have a chance to claim him on waivers, and he’d still be subject to Rule 5 restrictions with his new team
He’s on the 40-man roster. He has to be designated for assignment to be removed from the roster. He’ll be placed on waivers, and any other team can claim him. If not, he’ll be offered back to the Tigers for $50K.
Thanks
Thank you for clarifying. I was also confused on the Rule 5 designation process.
Hopefully the White Sox will take a flyer on Gage Workman. They’ve had success with two pitchers from the most recent Rule 5 Draft, RHP’s Shane Smith and Mike Vasil.
The White Sox took Smith as the #1 overall pick from the Brewers organization. Vasil was selected by the Phillies and then traded to the Rays. The White Sox claimed Vasil off waivers from the Rays in late March.
Despite his struggles with the Cubs, Workman would provide a versatile upgrade to the current White Sox roster that lacks offense and power, especially on the infield.
Adding Workman would then give the White Sox three Rule 5 picks from the same draft class which says a lot about the current state of their MLB roster and likely achieves a dubious distinction for them aside from their historically bad W-L record.
The White Sox may as well give him a shot. I don’t need to see any more of Andrew Vaughn or Jacob Amaya to know that they suck balls and have no future here, and I really hope Will Venable feels the same way.
Workman could also provide an upgrade over Miguel Vargas and Nick Maton considering their pathetic production thus far.
I’m also looking forward to a promotion for Brandon Drury as he continues his rehab at AAA Charlotte. Drury might give the White Sox a flip candidate later this summer. Workman could potentially be a longer term upgrade for a White Sox system that lacks position player depth.
I agree but has a team every carried 3 Rule 5 guys? I know the Sox are definitely in a position where they can though. Especially since they are starved for power. Plug him in at 3B every day and let him play.
I unfortunately don’t think they will move on from Vargas though.
Workman provides far more defensive versatility than Vargas. He’s played all four infield positions as a professional and can also contribute at the outfield corners. He also bats left-handed while Vargas hits from the right side.
Each are still 25-years old with Vargas having had the higher prospect rating and a quicker rise to the big league with the Dodgers. That said, Vargas has struggled mightily with his bat at the MLB level and doesn’t offer much defensive value to offset it. Workman can’t do much worse offensively and would provide more value in the field on on the base paths. There’s still time for both to become competent MLB players on a lackluster White Sox roster.
What do they and the White Sox have to lose with few great prospect options knocking on the door? Aside from catchers Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel, injured INF Chase Meidroth, struggling SS Colson Montgomery and feel good story 1B Tim Elko, there isn’t much “imminent” hope for the 2025 White Sox. Most of the system’s high ceiling prospects are at AA or lower.
I just really don’t think they move on from him this quick when he was the centerpiece of the Fedde deal
OK, then move on from Andrew Vaughn instead and move Vargas to 1B.
I’m not a White Sox fan, but I wouldn’t wish Gage Workman on them.
Good riddance to The Abysmal Workman.
He can always say he got 2 hits in the major leagues. He doesn’t even have to say they were off of a non-pitcher.
15 abs over nine games. Not enough chance to say abysmal. Its not like a 3 for 3 day wouldn’t reverse his numbers dramatically.
OK. The Incompetent Workman. That’s better, actually, we have all known such.
And his two hits were off of position players in a blowout.
Glad they admitted the Workman mistake quickly and moved on. 3B is quickly becoming a black hole in an otherwise excellent lineup.
The hot corner has been a Cubs “black hole” for a while now in addition to their bullpen. That said, few Cubs fans are giving up on Matt Shaw and his hitting potential. Whether he solves their long term 3B problem or slides over to his better fit at 2B is the bigger question.
Shaw was overmatched completely, but at least he got his feet wet. Should be interesting to see what 3Bs are available at the deadline because with Berti and Lopez, what you see is what you get. Reds no doubt would love to unload Candelario, and CHC would be fools to give him an encore.
Sliding over to 2nd would mean trading Nico, and that would be a huge mistake.
I’m a big fan of Nico Hoerner but he’s only locked up through 2026. Hoerner has solid trade value with his defensive acumen at 2B AND SS, his high contact bat and good base running skills.
The Cubs are “stuck” with SS Dansby Swanson and his 7 yrs/$177M contract through 2029. They have some high upside 2B alternatives at AAA in Shaw and James Triantos.
If Hoerner can help fetch a quality SP from a team like the Mariners, Jed Hoyer should be amenable to such a trade. The team also has the prospect capital to make a strong bid for Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara.
Tigers fan here. Surprised the cubs drafted Workman since he topped out and played 3 years at AA.
Is this an upgrade?
Yes?
Sorry Mr. Workman but it’s back to ghetto for you ..sorry Detroit
He won’t make it back to the Tigers. Somebody will claim him.
Part of that was a joke though.
I think I was more more surprised by his glove than his bat. I mean he got almost no AB’s so if they weren’t going to give him some I’m not sure why they brought him North in the first place. They should have just sent him back then. His glove was playing all over in like 5 different positions and then all the sudden he couldn’t catch a cold. Maybe a trade can still be worked out and if they can move him back to AAA not sure how all that kind of stuff is regulated. Hey it was worth a shot. Wasn’t Hoyer’s worst move by a long shot.
Ok Homer. Still stinging from the Mets sweeping your redturds out of NY?
Trolling Cub articles so you can take cheap shots- real classy, sport
If ya take cheap shots you’re gonna get called out.. pal
Workman’s middle name is Tater. Besides that being cool, his name would be Gage T. Workman, or Gage Twerkman.
After game workman had last night, sooner rather than later workman gone. Don’t know exactly what’s with rule v but she shouldn’t be back anywhere anytime soon. Cubbies still have hole at 3rd regardless who plays there. Amazing they’re 15-10 because of 3rd, no Steele, and relief pitching sucks.
Tucker performing like an MVP early certainly helps them and impacting how opponents pitch to his teammates.
Yep, rickets better resign Tucker before he hits free agency or he’ll also be packing his bags along with hoyer!
Tucker is quickly pricing himself even further out of Chicago. He keeps this up much longer and he’s gonna start getting Vlad-Soto money. He’s arguably between them offensively and better defensively and on the bases.
What they really must do is completely forbid Hoyer from trading Caissie until they have Tucker’s signature on a contract. Because if they trade Caissie and let Tucker walk they’ll have a black hole in RF AND 3B next year. No Tucker, No Caissie trade. If Tucker is here then fine be my guest.
Problem here is that they’re in a quandry because they will lose both tucker and caissie. They have to shore up not only for another starter or two if they wish to go deep into playoffs but also a viable 3rd baseman and they’ll only do that by having to trade a few of their supposed prized farm position players like a Caissie. By the way, Caissie hasn’t even got a hit in the big leagues yet much like Shaw..
and did you see what Berrti did tonight what Workman did defensively the night before- 3 Ks in the clutch with men on base. Guess it is now down to 40 year old turner and Brujan who have his own defensive problems a couple nights before.
Bregman at $40MM per doesn’t make sense for any team, but does show how desperate you are.
If we’re being honest Busch Stadium is horrible to watch a game. I was surprised at what a dump it is for being so new. I sat in right center. The sun is in your eyes for afternoon games. No ambiance. I finished watching the game in the centerfield concession area on a TV. Left in the 7th. St Louis is a hellhole to visit. But go on and do your thing, Joel.
You’re the one who was talking about ball parks, dummy. You take pot shots and change the goal posts. On par for Joel. Leave the cute remarks out of it, and you won’t get my stories.
Do it! Id expect as much from you. You’re soft.
Wait, let me throw some sand in his eye first.
A very Cubs thing to do to rule 5 draft a AA player, watch him tear up spring training (I know, it’s spring training), then let him rot on the bench.
Not a shocker he’s “trying to do too much” when he finally gets a chance.
He had long odds of being successful but why bother if you’re not going to give him a real opportunity?
How repeatedy boxing grounders is “trying to do too much” I don’t know, but you made your point.
@ robert-5,
Are you Tater’s agent?
Beginning to suspect you two clowns are the same bored middle schooler who’s never played baseball.
A prospect with a grade 65 glove at SS/3B can field a grounder and catch a popup. But when you’ve never played above AA ball and your manager lets you rot on the bench, nerves are going to kick in. Trying to turn two before you field the ball is the definition of “trying to do too much.”
@ robert-5,
You put forth a lot of effort making excuses for someone without having anything to show for it.
If Workman does make it back to the Tigers, Will his major league clock have started? Or, due to him being an unsuccessful rule 5 create a situation where his clock did not start?
His clock has started, but if he makes it through waivers, the Tigers can outright him to the minors.
A well-known canard. Cubs fans actually are more knowledgeable than most.
Now that’s just silly, Alan53. There is no measure for the knowledgeability of fans, so it’s idle to say Cubs fans in the aggregate know more than others.
Workman was rated as a plus defender, but his defensive miscues may have been what ultimately cost him is roster spot. He looked overmatched at the plate, and it seemed to be negatively impacting his play in the field. It was a tough gig as a rule 5 guy, and I wished it would have worked out, but it obviously wasn’t working out.
Well said. His strongest tool was supposed to be his glove. Paired with a LH bat w pop, I thought he was worth a real look. Especially when Shaw floundered.
But nobody is going to perform well getting the playing time he did. He couldn’t even field the ball, whether that was nerves, rust, or just trying too hard.
@ robert-5,
Or, perhaps, he’s just not talented enough to play at the major league level.
We don’t even know if he’s talented enough to play at the AAA level.
Gage Workman may not have the strongest tool on his toolbelt but he looks the part in his Dickies boots and pith helmet
Detroit would be happy to get him back if he goes unclaimed. Sent him down to Toledo to give him some work. If that works out move him to the 40 man roster and bring him up to help the offense. I would say that it is 50/50 that he clears waivers.
Funny I didnt see your name when I posted my comment above. But great choice. Well done. 😉
I’m old enough to remember when other people on this site actually thought that Gage Workman was a realistic option at third base for the Cubs.
Hopefully Detroit gets him back. Some time at AAA will be beneficial. He’s still a realistic option for a backup infielder
Sorry for going off topic but I just wanted to say Rest in Paradise to Steve “Mongo” McMichael. YouTube Cubs game August 7th 2001. He tore into Angel Hernandez and blew him a kiss. He was later ejected from the game.
Passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Sox fan Shane with the scoop! Nice going. He was prolly grilling meats on his Wrigleyville deck and saw Nicky motoring on the sidewalk around Newport and Broadway on his vespa. Will ask him at softball practice
Nice signing. He should provide some much needed defensive skills and support to the team that is league average.
“Excellent as Lopez is” is NOT PROPER ENGLISH. You can’t just leave “as” out to begin the sentence. It’s not optional! Grammar is not optional when you’re being paid to write