CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 14: Jon Berti #5 of the Chicago Cubs looks on after lining out during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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The Chicago Cubs have been forced to shuffle their infield at an important point of the season, with an injury to Dansby Swanson pushing the club to get creative with its defensive alignment as the playoffs near.
The Cubs recently placed Swanson on the injured list with an oblique strain and Nico Hoerner will move over from second base to cover short while he is out. Pedro Ramírez seems likely to take the bulk of second base playing time for now.
But as the Cubs remain focused on redesigning the infield alignment on the fly, that sudden need for infield flexibility offered an interesting backdrop to the retirement of a former Cubs utility man whose career was defined by just that type of versatility.
Former Chicago Cubs Infielder Career Comes To An End After Release
Jon Berti, whose 2025 stint with Chicago now marks the final major league run of his career, officially announced his retirement on social media this week.
“After a lot of thought and consideration, I have decided to retire from professional baseball,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m very grateful for all the opportunities and lessons that baseball has given me over the last 15+ years.”
The veteran infielder’s career included stops with the Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins and New York Yankees, as well as his final season with the Cubs. His reputation was built largely around and ability to move around the diamond, making him a valuable roster piece even when his offensive production was inconsistent.
Chicago signed Berti to a one-year, $2 million contract in January 2025, hoping his experience could give the club additional flexibility. He ultimately appeared in 51 games for the Cubs, hitting .210/.262/.230 with two RBI and 11 stolen bases.
His Cubs tenure, however, came to an abrupt end in the middle of last season.
Chicago Cubs Prove Final Career Stop For Versatile Infielder
Chicago designated Berti for assignment nearly a year ago to the day of his official retirement announcement, as the club made changes to its roster. He subsequently cleared waivers, but because of his service time, had the ability to reject an outright assignment while retaining his salary.
The Cubs chose to release him, making Berti a free agent.
That move ended his time in Chicago after just one season, but it did not immediately mark the end of his playing career. Berti continued pursuing opportunities, including a role with Team Italy in the latest World Baseball Classic tournament, before ultimately reaching the decision to step away from professional baseball.
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