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Former Yankees Infielder Could Get Unexpected Cubs Opportunity

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Injuries propelled veteran infielder Jon Berti to the New York Yankees’ Opening Day roster last spring.

History appears to be repeating itself, this time in Tokyo instead of Houston.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced this week All-Star second baseman Nico Hoerner won’t travel with the team to Japan. Hoerner had flexor tendon surgery last October and remains limited in spring training.

Hoerner’s absence could allow Berti, now with the Cubs on a one-year contract, to start at second base. Vidal Brujan is also a candidate to start the Cubs’ March 18 opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Yankees acquired Berti only days before their 2024 opener against the Houston Astros. He hit .273 with a homer, six RBI, and five stolen bases in 25 games.

Berti missed most of the season with a left calf strain but returned in time for the Yankees’ playoff run.

Known far more for his speed than his power, Berti stole 41 bases for the Miami Marlins in 2022. Every team needs a versatile, speedy utility player.

As for Hoerner, Counsell said he hopes the 2023 Gold Glove winner will be healthy enough to play in the Cubs’ March 27 domestic opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“We’re in a really good spot,” Counsell said, according to the Cubs’ official website, “and if we can have him for domestic Opening Day, going back to the surgery date, it would be a very positive result.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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