Cubs make series of roster moves, including parting ways with young infielder
The Cubs added a veteran infielder Tuesday night to supplement their roster.
They parted ways with a homegrown player to do so.
The team officially announced they had signed Jon Berti to a one-year contract, a move that had been reported last week. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated infielder Luis Vázquez for assignment.
The Cubs also announced they agreed to minor league contracts with catcher Reese McGuire and right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards. Both deals came with invites to major league Spring Training. Earlier in the day, the Cubs made the Ryan Pressly deal official, too.
Berti, 35, was limited to 25 games in 2024 with the Yankees due to a calf injury. He slashed .273/.342/.318 (.661 OPS) in 74 plate appearances for the Yankees. He has played third base, second base, shortstop and across the outfield in his 7 big-league seasons.
Last year, Berti played first base for the first time in the big leagues during the playoffs with the Yankees, making 3 starts. He’ll provide depth for manager Craig Counsell across the field, but more importantly, is cover for top prospect Matt Shaw at third base.
Shaw has a clear path to win the job at the hot corner for Opening Day, but Berti is an option if the 2023 1st-round pick struggles in spring or early in the season. Berti will likely serve as Michael Busch’s backup at first base, too.
Vázquez appeared in 11 games for the Cubs in 2024, making his major-league debut in May. The 25-year-old became the second-ever major leaguer from Orocovis, Puerto Rico, to debut in the majors. He had an inspiring journey from the town of 21,000 to the bright lights of Wrigley Field.
Richards, 31, had a 4.55 ERA in 55 games with the Blue Jays and Twins in 2024. He pitched for Counsell in 2021, when he appeared in 15 games for the Brewers, posting a 3.20 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in 19.2 innings.
He’ll be in the mix for bullpen depth for the Cubs, but figures to be a longshot to make the roster, given the depth they’ve added in that department this winter.
McGuire, 29, provides depth behind the plate for the Cubs this offseason. The Cubs added veteran Carson Kelly earlier this offseason to complement Miguel Amaya as a backstop. Teams often add multiple backstops in spring both in case injuries happen and to have other catchers to serve the many pitchers that are in camp.
In 7 big league seasons, the left-handed hitter has a .252/.300/.364 (.664 OPS) slash line across 355 games. In 2024, he hit .209 with 3 home runs and a .575 OPS for the Red Sox.