In a flurry of roster moves aimed at revitalizing their season, the Chicago Cubs made significant changes just before their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 23, 2025. The most notable decision was the designation of infielder Gage Workman for assignment, following a disappointing start to his Major League career.
Workman, who was selected in the Rule 5 draft from the Detroit Tigers last December, initially made headlines during Spring Training. He showcased an impressive performance, hitting .364 with a 1.125 OPS and four home runs. However, that success did not carry over into the regular season. The 25-year-old struggled significantly, managing only three hits in 14 at-bats while striking out six times. His defensive skills, which were touted as a major asset, faltered as well; he committed three errors in just ten chances at third base, including two critical mistakes in a recent game against the Dodgers that contributed to a loss.
“Yeah, there were some mistakes tonight,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted after the game, referring to Workman’s costly errors. “The first ball to lead off the game was hit on the end of the bat. So [it] probably took a weird hop. The second play, it’s got to be made. Not an easy play, but it’s got to be made.”
In light of Workman’s struggles, the Cubs have turned to a familiar face by signing infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year major league contract. Lopez had previously joined the Cubs on a minor league deal earlier this year but was released after failing to make the final roster. He then had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Angels, where he appeared in just six games—one as a pitcher—but did not record a hit before being designated for assignment.
Lopez, 30, brings with him a wealth of experience, having played 124 games last season with the Chicago White Sox, where he posted a .241/.312/.294 slash line. He is expected to provide depth in the infield, particularly at third base, where the Cubs have faced challenges this season. The team has already cycled through several players at the position, including Jon Berti and former top prospect Matt Shaw, who was recently optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
“We’ll probably have a little bit of a revolving door there for a bit while we play matchups,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said, indicating the team's need for stability at third base.
In addition to the Workman and Lopez transactions, the Cubs also selected veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A. Acquired from the Seattle Mariners earlier in the week, Pomeranz has not pitched in the majors since 2021 due to injury issues. The Cubs are hopeful that he can add valuable experience to their bullpen as they aim for a competitive edge this season.
To make room for Lopez and Pomeranz on the 40-man roster, the Cubs transferred left-hander Justin Steele to the 60-day injured list following his recent elbow surgery. Steele's absence is a significant blow to the Cubs, as he was expected to be a key contributor in their pitching rotation.
The Cubs also optioned right-hander Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa, despite his two scoreless innings against the Dodgers in his last appearance. Hollowell’s performance included striking out superstar Shohei Ohtani, showcasing his potential even as the Cubs continue to shuffle their roster.
As the Cubs navigate these changes, they remain focused on their goal of contending this season. The decision to part ways with Workman underscores the team’s commitment to performance and the urgency of their current situation. With Lopez back in the fold, the Cubs hope to solidify their infield defense and find a reliable solution at third base.
Lopez’s defensive capabilities will be crucial for a Cubs team that has struggled in that area, currently holding a -2 mark in defensive runs saved and outs above average across 224 innings this season. His experience at third base, where he has logged 395 innings over his career, could provide the stability the Cubs desperately need.
In summary, the Cubs are making bold moves as they seek to improve their roster and performance on the field. With the addition of Lopez and Pomeranz, along with the departure of Workman, the team is clearly in a win-now mindset. As they face the Dodgers, all eyes will be on how these changes impact their performance moving forward.
