The New York Yankees are gearing up for the 2024 Major League season and are committed to strengthening their team. Despite missing out on pitchers like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, the Yankees have made a trade with three teams to acquire infielder Jon Berti.
MLB journalist Christina De Nicola reported that the trade involved not only Berti’s former team, the Miami Marlins, but also the Tampa Bay Rays. As part of the deal, the Yankees sent John Cruz and Shake Sasaki to the Marlins, while Tampa Bay received New York catcher Ben Rortvedt.
While the trade has not been officially confirmed by any of the teams involved, it is expected to go through after the players undergo medical checkups. Berti’s arrival is seen as a solution to the Yankees’ need for a third baseman, a position that has been lacking in regular players.
Additionally, Berti is expected to fill in for the injured DJ LeMahieu at second base. LeMahieu is set to miss the team’s first two series against the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks due to a right foot injury.
Berti, a 34-year-old infielder, has played six seasons in the Major Leagues and has a career batting average of .258. Known for his speed, he stole 41 bases in 2022 and 16 in 2023. With Berti’s arrival, the Yankees hope to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.