Italy second baseman Jon Berti. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

10 MLB teams eyeing Team Italy star after World Baseball Classic run

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 6:59 PM ET

The 2026 World Baseball Classic was a smashing success, with Team Venezuela being crowned the champions after defeating Team USA in the final game.

However, the biggest story was the run by Team Italy. The Italians went undefeated, including a victory over Team USA, before falling to Venezuela 4-2 in the semifinal game.

This Italy team will be remembered for a very long time, and it is already paying dividends for MLB veteran Jon Berti.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, as many as 10 teams have inquired about Berti after his electrifying run in the WBC.

Free agent INF/OF Jon Berti is generating @MLB interest after posting a 1.132 OPS with Team Italy at the @WBCBaseball.

Ten teams have checked in, given Berti's bat and versatility. He intends to sign with a contender that needs him to play multiple positions. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 19, 2026

Berti played in every game for Team Italy, finishing with a .375 batting average and a 1.132 OPS. He hit a solo home run in Pool Play in Italy’s 9-1 win over Mexico that punched their ticket to the quarterfinal round.

Jon Berti!

Team Italy doubles its lead pic.twitter.com/8vgGWwGBBf
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 11, 2026

Berti made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays, but he then spent five seasons with the Miami Marlins before spending the last two with the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs.

Berti’s best seasons came with the Marlins, which included a 41-stolen-base season in 2022. He spent the 2025 season with the Cubs, but he played in just 51 games.

Now, Berti’s huge presence for Team Italy has his phone ringing just days before the start of the 2026 MLB season.

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

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