Nicky Lopez Settles At $3.7 Million For Next Season
The Kansas City Royals and middle infielder Nicky Lopez avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.7 million deal. Lopez went from hitting .300 in 151 games with the Royals in 2021 to slashing .227/.281/.273 with a .554 OPS in 480 plate appearances and 141 games in 2022. He added no homers, 20 RBI, 51 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. The 27-year-old has never been much of a threat with the lumber, but he's stuck around because of his excellent defensive skills up the middle. He can play second, third and shortstop and will be competing with Michael Massey at the keystone in spring training this year. Lopez isn't very attractive in fantasy for anything other than his modest speed.
Jan 13, 2023 • 8:36 PM | RotoBaller
