Yet another former Miami Marlins player has now been non-tendered. It's interesting to see how many former players are now free agents. With the off-season on the way, it's important that The Fish start signing some players, or trading for them. It's obvious that Peter Bendix won't spend that much, but some minor improvements could still be had. How about former fan favorite Jon Berti?
The Miami Marlins could bring back fan favorite Jon Berti.
Jon Berti was traded by the Miami Marlins to the New York Yankees at the 2024 Trade Deadline. He was a fan favorite who played for the team from 2019 to 2023. He batted .258/.338/.367 during that stretch, in 432 games and 1355 AB. He was worth 7.7 WAR during that time. His best season came in 20223, when he was worth 2.4 WAR. He was worth the same in the 2022 season, but despite stealing the MLB best 41 stolen bases, he batted .240/.324/.338.
In 2023, Berti batted .294/.344/.405, with 7 home runs and 33 RBI in 133 games and 388 AB. He was worth the aforementioned 2.4 WAR and his career-best 0.9 dWAR. He actually was a legit starter at times during the season. It's important to point out that he's very versatile and can play multiple positions. He can play third base, second base and SS. He can also technically play in the OF.
Splitting the 2024 season between the Miami Marlins and the New York Yankees, Jon Berti batted .273/.342/.318, with a home runs and 6 RBI, in 25 games and 66 AB. He had 6 stolen bases and was worth 0.6 WAR. He was worth 0.3 dWAR as well, which is better than expected in that short time span.
Jon Berti is already 34 years old, but will turn 35 prior to next season. It would make sense for the Miami Marlins to potentially bring back a former fan favorite for depth. He should be cheap and I doubt that he'll cost much to acquire. I do believe that the dearth of third basemen available, could give him a bit more demand.