The Chicago Cubs officially announced their signing of Jon Berti on Tuesday as the veteran utility man inked a one-year deal worth $2MM.
In announcing the Berti signing, the Cubs announced the corresponding roster move as infield prospect Luis Vázquez was designated for assignment.
The #Cubs today have agreed to terms with INF Jon Berti on a one-year major league contract. To make room on the 40-man roster for Berti, INF Luis Vázquez was designated for assignment. The 40-man roster currently stands at 40 players.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 28, 2025
Welcome to Chicago, Jon! pic.twitter.com/YIVF9vbKQ9
Cubs say farewell to intriguing infield prospect as Jon Berti signing made official.
Vázquez made his Major League debut with the Cubs last season, appearing in 11 games. Vázquez collected all but 1 hit in his 14 plate appearances with the Cubs in 2024. Used mostly as a pinch-runner, there was some hope that Vázquez could see an expanded role on the bench in 2025. However, the signing of Berti, along with the trade for Vidal Bruján earlier this month, likely blocked the path the former Cubs' prospect had toward a role on the bench to open the season.
Vázquez was never a top prospect with the belief that his glove could find him a spot on the Major League bench as a defensive specialist but after hitting 20 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A in 2023, there was some added fanfare for his prospect profile. The Cubs likely are hopeful Vázquez will slip through waivers but at 25 years old, there likely would be some interest from another Major League team.
The Cubs' decision to designate Vázquez for assignment does seem to lend credence to the idea that Bruján has the inside track toward being the 26th man on the roster. While Bruján has yet to experience any offensive success, he can play every position besides catcher and was once one of baseball's top prospects. The Cubs may prefer Bruján's ceiling.
The bench for the Cubs is beginning to take shape, with Berti and Bruján being two of the key pieces. Beyond those two versatile infielders, backup catcher Carson Kelly and outfielder Alexander Canario also figure to have a spot on the bench. Depending on how the rest of the offseason plays out, it's possible the Cubs add one more veteran to their bench.