{"id":173156,"date":"2026-04-05T10:57:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T10:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=173156"},"modified":"2026-04-05T10:57:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T10:57:50","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-shocking-surprise-former-chicago-cubs-player-still-an-mlb-free-agent-after-opening-day-whats-holding-him-back-%f0%9f%91%87-a-free-agent-mystery-cubs-player-left-with","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=173156","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 SHOCKING SURPRISE: Former Chicago Cubs Player Still an MLB Free Agent After Opening Day \u2014 What\u2019s Holding Him Back? \ud83d\udc47 A Free Agent Mystery: Cubs Player Left Without a Team After Opening Day \u2014 Fans Are Asking What\u2019s Next for His Career."},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"post-featured-container-id\">\n<div id=\"post-featured\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216099070.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=780\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 820px) 95vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216099070.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=780 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216099070.jpg?quality=15&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216099070.jpg?quality=35&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1350 1350w\" alt=\"Recent Chicago Cubs Player Is Still An MLB Free Agent After Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>\n<p>Getty<\/p>\n<p>CHICAGO, ILLINOIS &#8211; MAY 12: Jon Berti #5 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on May 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>On Friday, the Chicago Cubs lost to the Cleveland Guardians by a score of 4-1 in Ohio.<\/p>\n<p>The two teams will have a double-header on Sunday to wrap up the series.<\/p>\n<h2>Recent Chicago Cubs Player Is Still An MLB Free Agent<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882583\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg 3050w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=782,522 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=253,169 253w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2214698720.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Recent Chicago Cubs Player Is Still An MLB Free Agent After Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5882583\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5882583\">GettyJon Berti #5 of the Chicago Cubs throws out a runner at first base against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on May 07, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>With the season well underway, it\u2019s worth noting that recent Cubs player Jon Berti is still a free agent.<\/p>\n<p>He is available to sign with any team in the MLB.<\/p>\n<p>Jon Morosi of MLB Network wrote (on March 19): \u201cFree agent INF\/OF Jon Berti is generating @MLB interest after posting a 1.132 OPS with Team Italy at the @WBCBaseball.<\/p>\n<p>Ten teams have checked in, given Berti\u2019s bat and versatility. He intends to sign with a contender that needs him to play multiple positions.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882579\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg 4402w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=253,169 253w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2265320971.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Recent Chicago Cubs Player Is Still An MLB Free Agent After Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5882579\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5882579\">GettyJon Berti #1 of the Italy runs to first base in the sixth inning against Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Brazil and Italy at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Berti is coming off a season where he batted .210 with two RBI\u2019s, 12 runs and 11 stolen bases in 51 games for the Cubs.<\/p>\n<p>He is currently 36.<\/p>\n<h2>Berti\u2019s MLB Career<\/h2>\n<p>Berti was picked in the 18th round of the 2011 MLB Draft.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the Cubs, he has also spent time with the Miami Marlins, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays over eight seasons.<\/p>\n<p>His longest stint came with Miami (2018-23).<\/p>\n<p>During the 2023 season, Berti batted .294 with seven home runs, 33 RBI\u2019s, 53 runs and 16 stolen bases in 133 games.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882582\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg 4223w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=253,169 253w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1499882154.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Recent Chicago Cubs Player Is Still An MLB Free Agent After Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5882582\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5882582\">GettyJon Berti #5 of the Miami Marlins throws to first base for an out against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning at loanDepot park on June 19, 2023 in Miami, Florida.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Berti could still be an intriguing veteran to add to clubhouses around the MLB.<\/p>\n<p>Over 512 career games, he is batting .256 with 24 home runs, 128 RBI\u2019s, 232 runs and 108 stolen bases.<\/p>\n<p>@TalkinYanks wrote (in 2024): \u201cJon Berti led MLB with 41 stolen bases in just 105 games played in 2022. He was only caught five times\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882576\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg 2379w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=254,169 254w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2216171949.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Recent Chicago Cubs Player Is Still An MLB Free Agent After Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5882576\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5882576\">GettyJon Berti #5 of the Chicago Cubs reacts to Justin Turner #3 scoring during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 20, 2025 in Miami, Florida.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Cubs Right Now<\/h2>\n<p>As for the current Cubs, they are 3-4 in their first seven games of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>Following their series with the Guardians, they will play their next game on Monday when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays in Florida.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5849695\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg 2380w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=253,169 253w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2239681932.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Recent Chicago Cubs Player Is Still An MLB Free Agent After Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5849695\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5849695\">GettyManager Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game two of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on October 06, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Last season, the Cubs lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2025 NLDS.<\/p>\n<p>They last won a World Series in 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0 He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getty CHICAGO, ILLINOIS &#8211; MAY 12: Jon Berti #5 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on May 12, 2025 in&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":173157,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-173156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udea8 SHOCKING SURPRISE: Former Chicago Cubs Player Still an MLB Free Agent After Opening Day \u2014 What\u2019s Holding Him Back? \ud83d\udc47 A Free Agent Mystery: Cubs Player Left Without a Team After Opening Day \u2014 Fans Are Asking What\u2019s Next for His Career. - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=173156\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 SHOCKING SURPRISE: Former Chicago Cubs Player Still an MLB Free Agent After Opening Day \u2014 What\u2019s Holding Him Back? 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