2057.01: CBS Recap - Lopez Signed
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2023 3:48 pm
Chicago has signed veteran infielder Orlando Lopez to a three year contract. Lopez, 33, has been part of the major leagues for 15 seasons with 5 teams. With the contract, Lopez is expected to compete for the starting shortstop position.
Assistant GM Alfredo Aragon on the signing:
DFA AlertAlfredo Aragón wrote:Orlando is an elite defender that can play all infield positions. He has played mainly shortstop in his career and that will be his primary position for us, but we do see value with him being able to play multiple positions. We know he struggled a bit this past year, but we are expecting a rebound year next season.
In the past, we have relied on some young players like Rich Moore or Hussein bin Fadi for the shortstop/utility role. After a few years, we firmly believe we need some veteran leadership on on the roster and that is our goal this offseason. Orlando is step one of this process. Our plan is to bring in 2-3 more veterans throughout the offseason as we strive to compete in 2057.
Heading into the offseason, Chicago has DFA'd the following players.
Hussein bin Fadi
Sergio Rojas
Angel Zambrano
Assistant GM Alfredo Aragon on the moves:
Alfredo Aragon wrote: We just loss 100 games in a season. When that happens, moves need made. Personally, we think highly of all three of these individuals. Performance wise, we have not seen the quality we need to keep a 40-man roster secured. We are hoping for a strong offseason, adding quality major league players. We are no longer in the "growth" phase, where we can have 4-5 roster spots reserved for potentials.
We wish all three of them well and who knows, maybe they will make their way back to us and we can work on reaching their potential.