The Chicago Cubs picked up another hometown kid this offseason in Naperville native Nicky Lopez. Lopez spent 2024 on the South Side with the White Sox and is now excited to be on the North Side at Wrigley Field.

Now at his first Cubs spring training in Mesa, Ariz., Lopez revealed his connection and relationship with free agent Alex Bregman – someone who the Cubs have been targeting the last few weeks.

[MORE: MLB Rumors: Alex Bregman decision could come ‘soon’]

“Bregman and I are actually really good friends. We work out in the offseason together,” Lopez told reporters in Arizona. “I’ve been talking to him pretty much every single day about it. It would be sweet to share a locker room with him. We share a close friend also that’s one of his best friends. I played rookie ball with him. We have a close friend, but we were at Exos together this offseason.”

RELATED CONTENT:

• The latest on Nico Hoerner’s injury, recovery timeline 
• Matt Shaw, Alex Bregman and where the Cubs stand at third base
• New Cubs starter Matthew Boyd breaks down his pitch mix
• Where Cubs outfield, DH picture stands with Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker

While Lopez isn’t officially recruiting Bregman, he believes that the infielder would bring not only talent but a winning energy to the Cubs.

“I would love for him to be in this clubhouse with us,” Lopez said. “I think he makes this team better. Just his drive, the way he goes about his business but also just the talent on the field as well. I don’t think it would obviously hurt me. It’ll help me and our team. That’s what I’m focused on is how is this going to help our team. Obviously I have to make the team first but I’m willing and able to do whatever I need to do.”

Head over to the Marquee Sports Network app for more Cubs spring training coverage.