Former New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs infielder Jon Berti has announced his retirement from professional baseball, bringing an unexpected end to a career that included time with several MLB organizations and a postseason appearance as recently as 2024.
Berti shared the news on Instagram after more than two years without posting on the platform, reflecting on a journey that lasted over 15 years.
In his retirement message, Berti expressed gratitude for the experiences baseball provided and thanked the organizations he represented, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins, Yankees and Cubs.
He also acknowledged Australia’s Canberra Cavalry, Team Italy, his coaches, teammates, trainers, agent and fans, before turning his attention toward his family and the next chapter of his life.
Berti’s most memorable recent postseason experience came with the Yankees in 2024 after New York acquired him before the season to provide versatility and speed.
Injuries limited him to just 25 regular-season games, but he recovered enough to contribute during the playoffs, earning a place on the Yankees’ American League Championship Series roster as the club advanced to the World Series.
A right hip flexor injury ultimately kept him off New York’s World Series roster, and the Yankees eventually lost the championship series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Before joining New York, Berti spent five seasons with the Miami Marlins, where he became known for his defensive versatility and ability to steal bases.
He appeared at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions, while posting a .258/.338/.367 line with 23 home runs and 91 stolen bases for Miami.
His best season came in 2022, when he led Major League Baseball with 41 stolen bases.
Berti was originally selected by Toronto in the 18th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and spent several years in the minors before making his major-league debut in 2018.
His final MLB season came with the Cubs in 2025, when he hit .210/.262/.230 in 53 games. He retires with a .256/.333/.337 career slash line, 108 stolen bases and 128 RBIs over 514 games, ending a career defined by versatility, speed, perseverance and strong professionalism.
