The Miami Marlins have reached an agreement with key utility infielder Jon Berti for the 2023 season.
According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the Marlins and Berti reached a deal late on Monday night to avoid arbitration.
The 33-year-old was arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career.
In 358 at-bats last season, Berti hit .240 with four home runs and 28 RBI.
The deal is for worth $2.125 million, with Berti earning $2.1 million in 2023 with a $3.5 million club option for 2024.
The option for 2024 includes performance bonuses that can earn Berti more than $4 million.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com confirmed Adams’ report on Berti’s new contract with the Marlins.
Jon Berti’s settlement with the Marlins will guarantee him $2.125 million, per source. He’ll earn $2.1 million in 2023, with a $3.5 million club option ($25K buyout) for 2024. The option also contains performance bonuses that can boost it over $4 million. @Adams_Steve was on it.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 7, 2023
The Marlins had recently lost their arbitration cases with left-hander Jesus Luzardo and the newly-acquired Luis Arraez.
Fortunately for them, they reached a team-friendly deal with Berti and avoided arbitration with their super utilityman.
The 33-year-old led all of Major League Baseball with 41 stolen bases in 2022, while also appearing at the second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, and designated hitter positions.
For his career, Berti owns a .244 average and has hit a total of 16 home runs.
He also has an on-base percentage of .335, a slugging percentage of .353, an OPS of .688, and an OPS+ of 90.
In 2022, he had an OPS of .662 and an OPS+ of 89.
Berti is now under contract for 2023 and has a chance to earn more in 2024.
The Marlins will likely have him play at multiple positions during the 2023 season, backing up infielders such as Jean Segura and Joey Wendle and occasionally seeing time in the outfield.
