Jon Berti has carved out a career as a versatile utility player, but his latest role with the Chicago Cubs may catch him by surprise. Although Berti has little professional experience at first base, he could serve as the primary backup to Michael Busch in that position during the 2025 season, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
Berti, more renowned for his speed than his power, doesn’t fit the typical profile of a first baseman. At 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, his strengths are in elite baserunning and defensive versatility, rather than his bat.
Over the years, he’s played second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield, but his only real experience at first came last October, when the New York Yankees, in need of options, slotted him at first during the ALDS.
With the Cubs, Berti might not get regular time at first base, but due to Chicago’s limited depth at the position, he could be called upon in emergency situations. Busch is expected to start most games, but behind him, the Cubs don’t have many reliable first-base options.
Cody Bellinger, Patrick Wisdom, Garrett Cooper, and Matt Mervis—who all played at first base in 2024—are no longer with the team. Ian Happ has some experience at first, but as a three-time Gold Glove outfielder, moving him to the infield would be a last resort.
While the Cubs could still add a veteran first baseman on a minor-league deal, it seems likely that Berti will remain in this backup role. Although his bat may not be ideal for a power-hitting position like first base, Berti’s role should remain limited, provided Busch stays healthy. In the meantime, he should continue to be a valuable utility player across the infield.
