With starting second baseman Nico Hoerner not making the trip to Japan for the Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a spot has opened up in the Chicago Cubs’ starting lineup.
Bleacher Report projects that veteran utility man Jon Berti will step into the lineup as the Cubs’ Opening Day second baseman. After signing a one-year, $3 million deal in the offseason, Berti aims to rebound in 2025.
Limited by injuries, Berti appeared in just 24 regular-season games for the Yankees in 2024. Chicago will be the fourth team of his career.
Berti holds a career batting average of .259, but in his limited time with New York last season, he exceeded that mark, hitting .273.
This spring, Berti is off to a solid start, hitting .273 with an OPS just over .700. Defensively, he has been a bit inconsistent, though he has logged more time at third base than second.
The two-game series in Japan will be a key opportunity for Berti to prove he can be a dependable late-game option off the bench for manager Craig Counsell.
Although Berti won’t retain the starting second baseman role once Hoerner returns, he has the opportunity to solidify himself as Chicago’s primary pinch hitter or late-game defensive replacement.
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