The Cubs released Lopez on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez requested and was granted his release after being told he would not be part of the team's roster for their domestic opener next week. The veteran infielder is free to sign with a new club.

Lopez is expected to be granted his release after the Cubs informed him Sunday that he won't be part of the team's 31-man travel roster for its season-opening series in Japan versus the Dodgers on March 18 and 19, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs on Feb. 2 and had been competing for a utility infielder job with the big club during spring training. Even though second baseman Nico Hoerner (forearm) won't be available for the two-game series in Tokyo, Lopez wasn't able to beat out Rule 5 pick Gage Workman or Vidal Brujan for a bench role. Lopez shouldn't have much trouble catching on with another organization on a minor-league deal.

Lopez and the Cubs agreed on a minor-league contract Sunday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez spent the 2024 campaign with the White Sox, batting .241 with one home run, 21 RBI, 40 runs scored and five stolen bases over 398 at-bats in 124 games. The infielder will presumably receive an invitation to major-league spring training in the coming weeks, though that is not confirmed. If Lopez is able to crack the Cubs' 26-man roster this season, he'll earn $1.5 million.

Lopez elected free agency Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The White Sox removed Lopez from their 40-man roster and the veteran infielder has opted for free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. Lopez, who turns 30 in March, slashed just .241/.312/.294 over 124 games for the White Sox in 2024. He might have to settle for a minor-league contract this winter.

Lopez is absent from Sunday's lineup against Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez will be out of the White Sox's lineup for a second straight game. Unless he pinch hits during Sunday's contest, he'll end the season with a slash line of .241/.312/.294 with five stolen bases, one home run and 21 RBI over 445 plate appearances. Jacob Amaya will start at shortstop and bat ninth.

Lopez isn't in the White Sox's lineup Saturday versus the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez will grab a seat on the bench Saturday after going just 1-for-16 over his last five games. Jacob Amaya will take over as Chicago's shortstop and bat ninth.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez typically serves as the White Sox's leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching, but he'll hit the bench for the fourth time in five games while Chicago opposes another lefty (Tyler Anderson) in the series finale with the Angels. Miguel Vargas will serve as Chicago's table setter Thursday, while Jacob Amaya takes Lopez's usual spot at shortstop.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed-hitting Lopez will bow out of the starting nine while the Angels send southpaw Jose Suarez to the bump. Jacob Amaya will spell Lopez at shortstop and bat ninth.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

After sitting against lefty Martin Perez on Saturday, the lefty-hitting Lopez will bow out of the lineup against a righty (Yu Darvish) in the series finale. Jacob Amaya will pick up a second straight start at shortstop in place of Lopez, while Miguel Vargas assumes Lopez's usual spot atop the batting order.

Lopez isn't in the White Sox's lineup for Saturday's game versus San Diego.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed-hitting Lopez will step out of the starting lineup Saturday with southpaw Martin Perez set to toe the slab for the Padres. Lopez's absence will allow Jacob Amaya to pick up a start at shortstop while batting seventh.