Former Stolen Base Leader Could Provide Infield Versatility

Last Friday, the New York Yankees decided to release infielder Jon Berti, who they acquired last spring from the Miami Marlins. 34 Berti was expected to earn approximately $3.8 million in arbitration this winter. Unfortunately, he missed most of last year’s regular season, appearing in only 25 games.

While he may not have had much value in 2024, Berti remains a versatile bench player known for his field consistency and elite base-running skills. In 2022, he led Major League Baseball in stolen bases with 41. He has played nearly every position throughout his career, primarily focusing on third base, shortstop, and second base.

Speed, Skill, And Versatility: Jon Berti’s Infield Potential

Berti’s value to the Yankees shone brightly in the postseason, despite his limited regular-season role. When first baseman Anthony Rizzo suffered two fractured fingers in the penultimate game of the regular season, New York’s options at first base seemed dire. However, Berti seamlessly stepped into the role for three games in the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals, showcasing exceptional defense despite having no prior experience at the position.

Potential Landing Spots

Miami Marlins

Berti most succeeds when slated in a platoon role, similar to his position on New York’s squad this past year. While not necessarily starter-quality, his flexible skillset would be an excellent addition to any roster. The Marlins are already aware of this, and the franchise may seek to reunite with Berti, who could provide roster depth and slide back into his spot at third base (the market for third basemen is relatively weak).

New York Mets

Another team that could use Berti’s services is the New York Mets, one of the league’s slowest teams seeking infield depth this offseason. With Jose Iglesias unlikely to resume his duties at second base, that leaves Jeff McNeil as the Mets’ starting 2B. McNeil has struggled mightily at the plate since his spectacular 2022 season, and doesn’t play dazzling defense. This leaves a hole at second in the Mets’ loaded infield, so adding a depth player like Berti, who plays great defense and can run amok on the bases, makes a lot of sense for this lineup.

Chicago White Sox

On the flip side, teams like the Chicago White Sox are building from the ground up and would benefit from having a veteran who can play many positions on the roster. Of the 8 infielders on Chicago’s active roster, only 3 are above the age of 25. The White Sox should seek to add some players to their disheveled roster that can both help develop their young players and yield decent value in the field; Berti would provide both.

Market Value & Projection

Wherever he ends up signing, Berti likely won’t get a deal longer than a couple of years. In fact, the most likely deal he’ll get is a one-year “bridge” deal. Spotrac predicts that Berti will sign somewhere in the range of $4.3 million, which is higher than the $3.6 million that he earned in 2024. Some teams may see this as too high for a depth/platoon player, but in this year’s slim infield market, Berti very well could see a bump in his salary and in his role next season.