The Chicago Cubs have been active this offseason, shaking up their roster with bold moves. After trading Cody Bellinger and adding Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have now signed a versatile infielder with ties to the New York Yankees.
Cubs Sign former Yankees infielder Jon Berti on one-year deal
MLB Insider Robert Murray reports that the Cubs have agreed to a one-year deal with Jon Berti, a former Yankees infielder. Berti, who joined the Yankees last March as part of a three-team trade involving the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, now heads to Chicago. MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian revealed that Berti’s deal includes a $2 million base salary, along with up to $1.3 million in performance-based incentives.
“On Wednesday night, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the Cubs were in agreement with infielder Jon Berti on a one-year contract,” Bastian wrote. “Berti would project to be a part of Chicago’s bench, offering depth at multiple spots.”
Berti, 33, offers defensive versatility and a wealth of experience. Over his eight-year MLB career, he has played 451 games, appearing at nearly every position on the field. He has logged 95 appearances in the outfield, 167 at third base, 116 at second base, and 110 at shortstop.
Last season, Berti featured in 25 big league games, posting a .273/.342/.318 slash line. While not known for his power, he holds a respectable career batting average of .259 with 24 home runs. His ability to provide reliable defense across multiple positions makes him an attractive addition to manager Craig Counsell’s bench.
The Cubs seem intent on creating a roster filled with flexibility and depth, and Berti fits that vision perfectly. Though not a superstar, he could emerge as a valuable asset in high-leverage situations or as an injury replacement. Players like Berti, who can seamlessly slot into different roles, often go underappreciated but are vital to a team’s success over a grueling 162-game season.
With this signing, the Cubs continue to refine their roster, aiming to improve their playoff prospects in a competitive National League Central. Berti’s arrival highlights Chicago’s strategic approach to building a team that balances star power with reliable, versatile contributors. Whether it’s off the bench or in spot starts, Jon Berti may end up being one of the more impactful under-the-radar acquisitions of the offseason.
