The Cubs have limited competition for starting spots around the diamond, but bolstering the depth behind the core players has remained a key focus for the front office as Spring Training approaches. Adding experienced players to the bench has been an important part of that strategy.
On Tuesday, the Cubs signed infielder Jon Berti to a one-year deal worth a $2 million base salary, plus up to $1.3 million in incentives, according to an MLB.com source, though the team has not confirmed the details. Berti is expected to contribute to the Cubs’ bench, providing versatility at multiple positions.
Berti fits the profile of the type of player the front office mentioned as a target during Cubs Convention last weekend.
“We’ll just try to continue to bring in guys who can play multiple infield positions and give us that depth,” Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said on Saturday. “Guys with the experience to handle a Major League season and offer us different options.”
Jon Berti, 35, has played seven seasons in the Major Leagues with the Blue Jays, Marlins, and Yankees. He led MLB in stolen bases (41) in 2022 and had a solid 2023 season, hitting .294 with 26 extra-base hits and 16 steals in 133 games. In 2024, he appeared in 25 games, posting a .342 on-base percentage.
While with the Yankees last season, Berti hit .273/.342/.318 in 74 plate appearances, spending most of his time at third base. He also brings significant MLB experience at second base and shortstop, and has played all three outfield positions. Over his career, Berti has a .259/.337/.366 slash line with 97 steals and a 92 OPS+ in 461 games.
At Cubs Convention, general manager Carter Hawkins mentioned that the front office wanted to establish a “safety net” at third base, where Matt Shaw (the Cubs’ top prospect and No. 22 overall on the Top 100 list) will compete for the starting role. Berti provides that backup at third and also gives the Cubs a reliable option at second base as Nico Hoerner recovers from October surgery on his right forearm’s flexor tendon.
The Cubs’ current 40-man roster for infield depth includes Vidal Bruján (acquired from the Marlins earlier this offseason), Gage Workman (added through the Rule 5 Draft), Ben Cowles (Pipeline’s No. 25 Cubs prospect, who was added this winter), and prospect Luis Vazquez.
The timeline for Nico Hoerner’s return remains uncertain, as he mentioned at Cubs Convention that he has not yet started hitting or throwing. The Cubs will open the season earlier than usual with the Japan Series against the Dodgers on March 18-19 in Tokyo, followed by their traditional opener on March 27 against the Diamondbacks in Arizona. Hoerner expressed his desire to be ready for Opening Day but emphasized that he plans to take a cautious approach with his rehabilitation.
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