Veteran Berti added in 3-team trade, Rortvedt sent to division rival Rays
NEW YORK — The Yankees finally addressed their bench on Wednesday, acquiring Jon Berti a day before their season opener in Houston, according to multiple reports.
Berti was acquired from the Marlins, who received Yankees outfield prospect John Cruz in the trade. The Rays, one of the Yankees’ division rivals, were also involved; they acquired Yankees catcher Ben Rortvedt and sent outfield prospect Shane Sasaki to Miami.
News of the three-team swap was first reported by Mlb.com’s Christina De Nicola.
Berti, a right-handed hitter, gives the Yankees versatility and a capable bat off their bench — or a stopgap at third base with DJ Lemahieu starting the season on the injured list. Lemahieu spent the end of spring training recovering from a significant bone bruise after fouling a ball off his right foot.
Berti slashed .294/.344/.405 over a career-high 133 games last year. While the 34-year-old doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard, Berti’s Chase% ranked in the 89th percentile last year, and he was especially good against lefties, batting .325.
Berti’s sprint speed, meanwhile, ranked in the 95th percentile last year. While Berti only stole 16 bases in 2023, he led the majors with 41 swipes in 2022 despite playing in just 102 games.
The Bowling Green State product owns a lifetime .337 OBP and 93 OPS+ over parts of six seasons with the Blue Jays and Marlins.
Berti recorded two Outs Above Average at third base in 2023 and three in 2022. Don’t be surprised if he starts at the hot corner against the Astros on Thursday, though Oswaldo Cabrera remains in play. The two can also give Anthony Volpe a breather at shortstop when needed.
Berti also played second and corner outfield last year. He’s played center in the past as well.
The Yankees get two years of control and three minor league options with Berti, who will make $3.625 million this season. Since the Yankees are at the 110 percent luxury tax threshold, he will cost the team $7.6125 million in 2023.