With Nico Hoerner absent from the Chicago Cubs’ roster for their upcoming Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a significant opportunity has opened up in the starting lineup for the Cubs. Veteran utility man Jon Berti is projected to take the reins as the starting second baseman, and he’s eager to make an impact after signing a one-year contract worth $3 million during the offseason.
Berti’s 2024 season with the New York Yankees was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 24 games. Now, as he embarks on his journey with the Cubs, he finds himself ready to prove his worth—this will mark the fourth team he has suited up for in his career. In terms of performance, Berti has a career batting average of .259, but he exceeded expectations during his brief stint with New York, posting a commendable .273 average.
As spring training unfolds, he’s off to a solid start, boasting a .273 average and an OPS slightly above .700. While his defensive play has been somewhat inconsistent—largely due to spending more time at third base than at second—this upcoming series in Japan is a crucial moment for him. It’s his chance to showcase that he can be a reliable contributor off the bench when the game is on the line, a quality that manager Craig Counsell values.
Although Berti may not hold the starting second baseman position when Hoerner returns, he has the opportunity to cement his role as a vital pinch hitter or defensive replacement late in games. This series could be a defining moment not just for his season, but also for what he can offer to the Cubs as they aim for success in the league. With his experience and determination, Berti is poised to seize this chance and make an impression in Chicago.
