Jon Berti Will Be A Big X-factor Off The Cubs' Bench In 2025

[Brian Kelder]

With all of the Alex Bregman rumors, the debate on Nico Hoerner's worth, and all of the other drama in this never-ending offseason, Jon Berti may have gone unnoticed. Nevertheless, the utility-infielder will be key to whatever it is the Cubs will do this season.

 

Image courtesy of Eric Espada/Getty Images

Jon Berti signed a one-year, $2 million deal to don the pinstripes, or the guitar-themed powder blue uniforms if that's your style. Injuries marred his 2024 season. Leg ailments shelved him from June into September, and after making his way on the Yankees' postseason roster, he suffered a hip flexor. That ultimately ended his season with only 66 at-bats in 25 games.

So why did the Cubs target Berti? Defensive versatility is reason number one. In his 2023 season with the Miami Marlins, the versatile defender logged innings at second base, third base, shortstop, and left field. Quality depth was an issue last season. If Berti is healthy, he can serve as insurance for projected third baseman Matt Shaw, and play at least passable defense around the infield when the starters need a breather. Statcast gave him an 88th percentile ranking for range during that 2023 campaign. If Berti can remain healthy, he's the Swiss Army knife that Miles Mastrobuoni was purported to be.

On the offensive side of the ball, we can see that Berti flies. In 2022, he led all of baseball with 41 stolen bases, and in 2023 he swiped 16 bags. Even in last year's injury-plagued season, his sprint speed was faster than 91% of the league. An added value to his roster position is pinch-running.

At the plate, do not expect much in the form of slugging; Patrick Wisdom, he is not. His xSlug and exit velocity confirm the type of batter he is: a singles hitter with speed. Wherever his slash line ends up, the slugging percentage will probably begin with the number 3. The plate approach is solid, but does not result in walks. He's more of a player who has good swing decisions. The whiff and chase percentages are consistently in the top 20% of the league. Contact and speed, somewhat akin to Nico Hoerner , are Berti's game.

Advanced metrics will not treat Berti well. According to Fangraphs, Berti's wRC+ only reached 101 in that 2023 season. Projections on the same site are in the 80s for 2025. But these analytics don't measure the value of a bench player like Berti. These metrics don't adequately value depth pieces. Situational backups can be incredibly valuable to a team. While he won't get the headlines of Kyle Tucker, for example, there are a plethora of advantages Berti can give the Cubs. 

The first major advantage of Berti is the aforementioned multi-positional dimension. A second benefit is injury insurance. Berti, while not at an elite level, has shown the ability to contribute with the bat (minus power), on the bases, and with range in the field. Perhaps if he were in the fold last season, Dansby Swanson wouldn't have played two weeks on an injured knee. Similarly, Berti could have given Nico Hoerner a chance to go the IL route after being plunked on the hand. Perhaps he could be the first base backup instead of Alexander Canario. Even prospects like Kevin Alcantara could marinate further in Iowa if an outfielder is needed. Berti checks a lot of boxes.

Don't stress the advanced metrics. A player with an 88 WRC+ who can play five positions is very valuable to a roster. Jon Berti will be rostered for his flexibility, not as a potential All-Star contributor. Any offensive contribution is a bonus, not an expected result. Hopefully, unlike Patrick Wisdom, he can thrive in a more sporadic role. 

The Cubs have failed along the margins the past two seasons, and a lack of depth is partially the culprit. A player like Berti can help the team steal a game or two during the season; he is an underrated X-factor for the 2025 season. Health is his only obstacle. Kudos to Jed Hoyer for this fun little bit of roster construction.

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