The long-anticipated trade between the Yankees and Marlins, with involvement from another Florida team, has been finalized. Jon Berti, known for his speed and versatility across multiple positions in the 2023 season, joins the Yankees. In return, the Marlins receive Rookie ball outfielder John Cruz, while the Rays acquire Ben Rortvedt from the Yankees.
Additionally, Miami gains promising outfielder Shane Sasaki from Tampa Bay, who concluded the previous season in High-A.
The Marlins are acquiring Yankees No. 28 prospect John Cruz and Rays outfield prospect Shane Sasaki in a three-team trade, with the Yankees acquiring Jon Berti and the Rays getting Ben Rortvedt.
Cruz: https://t.co/3uDIw5C6Zu
Sasaki: https://t.co/PSDBXUjY6O pic.twitter.com/31JOZS5W5O— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 27, 2024
Berti, now 34 years old, maintains solid productivity and offers stability in the infield as the Yankees monitor DJ LeMahieu’s recovery from a bone bruise and wait for Oswaldo Cabrera’s improvement. Despite nearing five years of MLB service, which grants him the right to refuse a minor league option assignment, Berti remains a valuable option with his 103 wRC+ last season, contributing a 2.1 fWAR and 16 stolen bases in 133 games. His minor league options provide flexibility, but given the Yankees’ unsettled situation on the left side of the infield, Berti is likely to see significant playing time, potentially even as a starter.
Regarding Ben Rortvedt, the Yankees have committed to Austin Wells and Jose Trevino as their catching tandem for 2024, leaving Rortvedt, who is out of options, expendable. He will aim to rediscover his offensive prowess with the Tampa Bay team.
With Berti now part of the roster and Jahmai Jones expected to make the Opening Day lineup, the Yankees’ squad for the initial series in Houston appears finalized. Berti’s versatility and likely upgrade over Cabrera ensure him playing time in the early stages of the season.
Below is the anticipated roster for the Yankees, which may see changes, particularly concerning Jones:
C (2): Jose Trevino, Austin Wells
IF (4): Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Anthony Volpe, Jon Berti
OF (5): Trent Grisham, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Alex Verdugo, Giancarlo Stanton
UT (2): Oswaldo Cabrera, Jahmai Jones
SP (5): Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil
RP (8): Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, Victor González, Caleb Ferguson, Ian Hamilton, Nick Burdi, Luke Weaver, Clayton Beeter
IL: Gerrit Cole, DJ LeMahieu, Tommy Kahnle, Oswald Peraza, Jasson Domínguez, Scott Effross, Lou Trivino
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