Chicago Cubs Sign Speedy Infielder & Veteran Catcher
Berti, 35, joins the Cubs on a one-year, $2 million deal with an additional $1.3 million in potential incentives, while McGuire, 29, has agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.
The Cubs and catcher Reese McGuire have agreed to a minor league deal, source tells @JustBB_Media
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) January 22, 2025
McGuire, 29, saw action in 53 games for the Red Sox, posting a .575 OPS while throwing out 25% of runners in 2024. He has a .664 career OPS over parts of 7 seasons.
Berti brings a wealth of experience across multiple positions, including second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield.
He stole 41 bases in 2022 and offers steady defense at several spots. Despite playing only 25 games last season due to injuries, he managed a .273 batting average and .342 on-base percentage.
Meanwhile, McGuire, a seven-year MLB veteran, provides reliable defense behind the plate. With a career .252 batting average and a reputation for excellent pitch framing, McGuire is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Iowa, ready to contribute if needed.
The Cubs have signed Reese McGuire to a minor league deal, per @AramLeighton8 pic.twitter.com/NWowEoCtsM
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 22, 2025
These acquisitions fix some areas of need for the Cubs, who have dealt with infield uncertainty due to Nico Hoerner’s injury and are developing top catching prospect Moisés Ballesteros.
Berti is expected to compete for a bench role, adding depth and insurance for young infielders like Matt Shaw, while McGuire joins Carlos Pérez as an experienced option to back up Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly.
As Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation noted, McGuire is “about as good as it gets for depth.”
Photo Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
