Cubs Infield Castoff Ends Career After Roster Cut

BusinessSportsMoneyCubs Infield Castoff Ends Career After Roster CutByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorAug 21, 2026, 07:30am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryThe Chicago Cubs are currently shuffling their infield due to Dansby Swanson's oblique injury, moving Nico Hoerner to shortstop and Pedro Ramírez to second base. This sudden need for defensive flexibility provides a poignant backdrop to the retirement of former Cubs utility man Jon Berti, whose 15-year career was defined by such versatility. Berti, who played for the Blue Jays, Marlins, and Yankees, concluded his major league run with the Cubs in 2025. Signed for $2 million, he appeared in 51 games, hitting .210 with 11 stolen bases, before being designated for assignment and later released. After playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, Berti officially announced his retirement on social media, expressing gratitude for his career.Show More CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 14: Jon Berti #5 of the Chicago Cubs looks on after lining out during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Chicago Cubs have been forced to shuffle their infield at an important point of the season, with an injury to Dansby Swanson pushing the club to get creative with its defensive alignment as the playoffs near.The Cubs recently placed Swanson on the injured list with an oblique strain and Nico Hoerner will move over from second base to cover short while he is out. Pedro Ramírez seems likely to take the bulk of second base playing time for now.But as the Cubs remain focused on redesigning the infield alignment on the fly, that sudden need for infield flexibility offered an interestin...