Jon Berti - More than just a baserunner.
Jon Berti - More than just a baserunner.
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Jon Berti has been one of the more intriguing stories for the Marlins in 2022. The 32 year-old slugger is what many would consider as "super utility", a player who can play just about any position on the diamond. Aside from leading the entire league in stolen bases with 34, there's much more value Berti holds which makes him such a great player to have looking ahead to 2023.
Jon Berti was signed by the Miami Marlins on December 3, 2018 after a cup of tea with the Toronto Blue Jays in his first year in the majors. Berti's presence and impact was felt heavily in 2019 with his versatility and highlight-reel acrobatic plays. In 2022, entered his 4th season as a member of the Marlins and really filled many holes for the team at the absence of others in this injury stricken season for players like Jazz Chisholm Jr, Joey Wendle, and Brian Anderson. He has also recently seen some time in the outfield as well with slugger Jorge Soler also being shutdown due to back injury. It's incredible what he has been able to do for this team, posting a 2.3 WAR in 2022 with a slash line of .253/.339/.351/.690. and while his OPS+ is under the average of 100 (96), he's provided sustainability, consistency, and reliability for this team to turn to when looking to fill holes.
Options for Berti in 2023?
Options for Berti in 2023?
The interesting question about Jon Berti even despite his production for the club in 2022 will be his fate with team moving forward to the 2023 season. He enters his second season of arbitration next season where both parties settled on $1.2 Million Dollars for the 2022 campaign. Given his performances and what he's been able to accomplish this season, he can deservingly see his arb going up. Something to note is the other infielders in which he's going to have to compete with for a starting job.
Jazz Chisholm Jr, 24, seemingly going to remain the team's starting 2nd Baseman after being voted into the All-Star Game, posted a 2.5 WAR through 60 games played before injuries abruptly ended his season.
Miguel Rojas, 33, entered his 8th season as a Marlin and has now served one of the longest tenure of any Marlins player in franchise history. His starting position at shortstop remains a mystery if the team is going to keep him as the starter moving forward as he will be entering the 2nd year of his 2-year deal.
Joey Wendle, 32, played 91 games for the Fish in 2022 posting a 2.1 WAR. Very good with the glove as well, however also was one of the infielders who were struck by injury. Wendle has a 2023 Option includes a $75,000 buyout for 2023.
Brian Anderson, 29, entered his 6th season as a Marlin in 2022. The same question loomed towards Andy's injury concerns which has crushed him down since the 2020 season. Anderson has played 84 games this season and has posted a 0.4 WAR and a 94 OPS+ while hitting .231. I think the move moving forward with him would be to part ways and trade him away.
Other names the Marlins have experimented in the infield with at this point in the season has been Charles LeBlanc & Jordan Groshans who have both shined in their respective ways. LeBlanc a Rule-5 pick from the Texas Rangers came up from AAA-Jacksonville and has hit the ball very well and put up great at bats. Groshans came by way of trade from the Blue Jays in the deadline. Groshans was hitting above .300 in AAA-Jacksonville bringing in his eventual call-up and so far in the big leagues, has been off to a good start in a small sample. Seemingly Berti's best role with the Fish next year will be a platoon, bench player.
Where I see berti playing in 2023
Where I see berti playing in 2023
For the 2023 season, though early, I see Jon Berti seeing playing time at 3rd base platoon-type with the likes of Joey Wendle or whomever claims the role whether it is Groshans, LeBlanc, etc. Another good spot for Berti to see playing time is at Left field. Berti has played 27 career games and a couple nights ago against the Phillies made a nice catch off the wall. He seems comfortable manning the position and could be used there as well if needed. This is a guy they really need to keep. His baserunning cannot be ignored either. He deserves to platoon in some capacity. The Marlins can enjoy a solid offseason while keeping and strengthening their bench starting with the likes of a guy like Jon Berti.
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