The Yankees, Marlins and Rays have come together on a three-team swap just 24 hours before the season is set to commence. Miami is trading infielder Jon Berti to the Yankees, who are sending catcher Ben Rortvedt to the Rays. The Marlins will pick up a pair of outfield prospects in the deal, one from each team: New York’s John Cruz and Tampa Bay’s Shane Sasaki. All three clubs have officially announced the deal.
Berti will give the Yankees an option to open the season at third base, with DJ LeMahieu (bone bruise in foot) and Oswald Peraza (shoulder strain) slated to hit the injured list, and he can back up nearly any spot on the diamond once LeMahieu returns. He’s fresh off a strong .294/.344/.405 batting line (103 wRC+) with seven homers and 16 stolen bases in a career-high 424 plate appearances with the Fish in 2023.
While Berti doesn’t bring any power to the table — last season’s seven homers were a career-high — he’s been a roughly league-average performer at the plate throughout his career thanks to an above-average walk rate, lower-than-average strikeout rate and plus speed that helps him leg out his share of infield hits (and stretch some would-be singles into doubles). Overall, Berti is a career .258/.337/.368 hitter — about 4% worse than league-average (by measure of wRC+) when weighting for the Marlins’ quite pitcher-friendly home environs.
Berti swiped 41 bags in just 102 games back in 2022, and while he ran less often in 2023, that didn’t have anything to do with a drop-off in speed. Statcast ranked Berti in the 95th percentile of MLB players with an average sprint speed of 29.3 feet per second last season.
Defensively, Berti has played every position other than catcher or first base. He’s spent more time at third base than any other position (1050 innings), but he’s also logged 792 innings at second base, 764 innings at shortstop and 577 frames in the outfield (281 in left, 231 in center and 65 in right). Both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average agree that he’s been a plus defender at each of third base, shortstop and left field.
Given Berti’s experience at the hot corner and the injuries to both LeMahieu and Peraza, there’s a strong chance that the Yankees’ newest acquisition will start tomorrow’s season opener at third base. He’ll likely be the team’s primary third baseman in the short term, and the versatility that both Berti and LeMahieu bring to the table will give manager Aaron Boone plenty of lineup options once the bone bruise in LeMahieu’s foot mends.
From a financial standpoint, Berti’s contract surely held plenty of appeal to a Yankees club that is a third-time luxury payor who’s in the top tier of penalization. They’re taking a 110% tax on any dollars added to the payroll at this point. Berti is earning $3.6MM in 2024 — the second season of what became a two-year, $5.725MM deal when the Marlins exercised a club option on him for this year. The 2022-26 CBA stipulates that only the remainder of a traded player’s contract is counted for luxury tax purposes, however, so the Yankees will pay the tax on this year’s $3.6MM salary rather than the contract’s $2.86MM AAV. That means Berti will come with $3.96MM worth of taxes, bringing his total expenditure to $7.56MM.
The Rays will get the only other player with big league experience in this three-team swap, though Rortvedt is rather limited in that regard. Formerly a second-round pick of the Twins, Rortvedt is a defensive-minded backstop who landed in the Bronx by way of the 2022 trade that sent him and Josh Donaldson to the Yankees in exchange for Gio Urshela and Gary Sanchez.
Rortvedt only appeared in 32 games with the Yankees over his two-year stint with the club, thanks to a series of injuries. An oblique strain limited him during spring training in 2022, and Rortvedt underwent knee surgery that May after beginning the season in the minors. Last spring, he underwent surgery to address an aneurysm in his shoulder that had been contributing to pain and numbness in his hand.
In all, Rortvedt only has 177 big league plate appearances between the Twins and Yankees, and he’s posted a dismal .146/.234/.255 batting line in that time. He hit well in 124 Triple-A plate appearances last year (.286/.395/.505), but Rortvedt is surely being acquired by the Rays because of their belief in his defensive chops.
The Rays tend to prioritize defense over offense at the catching position, and over the years Rortvedt has turned himself into a plus defender behind the dish. Baseball America named him the best defensive catcher in the Twins’ system from 2018-20, and the 26-year-old boasts an outstanding 34% caught-stealing rate in his career — including a 39% mark in his limited MLB action. Baseball Prospectus credits him with plus framing marks throughout his time in the minors, and he’s graded well there in the big leagues as well.
Because of all his time on the injured list, Rortvedt has more than two years of big league service time in spite of his minimal playing time. He’s out of minor league options, so he’ll have to stick on Tampa Bay’s roster this season. That means he’s all but certain to open the season splitting time with Rene Pinto behind the dish. Non-roster invitee Alex Jackson, who’d previously been the favorite for the backup job, will instead head to Triple-A Durham. If Rortvedt lasts the whole year, he’ll be eligible for arbitration for the first time in the 2024-25 offseason. The Rays can control him through the 2027 season via that process.
Turning the Marlins’ return for Berti, they’ll acquire a pair of outfield prospects — a position that’s regularly been a weakness for them in recent years. Sasaki, 23, was limited by injury to 68 games last season and hasn’t played above High-A. He went unselected in this past December’s Rule 5 Draft. Baseball America still tabbed him 21st in the Rays’ system, touting his 65-grade speed (on the 20-80 scale) and ability to play plus defense in center field or left. He’s a hit-over-power prospect who turned in a strong .301/.375/.465 batting line with seven homers and a dozen steals in 293 plate appearances at High-A last year.
Given his success in High-A last year, Sasaki seems likely to open the 2024 season in Double-A with his new organization. With a strong showing early in the year, a bump to Triple-A or perhaps even to the big leagues could be well within reach. Miami has been looking for a long-term center fielder for years now. Sasaki’s lack of power means he’ll need to continue to draw walks and hit for average in order to profile as a regular, but he at least gives Miami someone with a reasonable chance to become that everyday center fielder they’ve sought — albeit with a perhaps greater chance he settles in as more of a fourth outfielder.
As for Cruz, he’s a much further-off value add to the Marlins organization. The 18-year-old ranked 25th among Yankees prospects at Baseball America and 28th at MLB.com. He’s yet to advance to full-season ball, having spent the 2022 campaign in the Dominican Summer League and the 2023 season with the Yankees Rookie-level complex league affiliate. He’s hit well at both stops, posting a combined .260/.394/.465 batting line with 15 home runs, 19 steals, a huge 16.4% walk rate and a 24.9% strikeout rate.
Scouting reports credit the 6’3″ Cruz with above-average power and speed but raise some questions about swing mechanics and pitch selection at the plate. He’s played primarily center field to this point but could wind up moving to a corner as he continues to fill out his frame. He’s a yearslong project but one with a fair bit of ceiling — as well as a good bit of risk.
Ultimately, it’s a needs-based trade for all teams involved (rather than the more standard swap of a veteran for the best prospects available, regardless of position). The Yankees acquired an affordable and versatile infielder who checks multiple needs: everyday third base option in the short term and backup shortstop option in the long term. The Rays added some needed catching depth and defense without increasing an already franchise-record payroll. The Marlins, who didn’t have regular at-bats for Berti after signing Tim Anderson and acquiring Jake Burger, Nick Gordon and Vidal Brujan via trade over the past several months, moved him and his salary in exchange for a pair of outfield prospects who provide organizational depth and upside at a position of need. Sasaki’s relative proximity to the majors at least creates the possibility that all three clubs will see some MLB benefit from the trade before season’s end.
Craig Mish of SportsGrid and the Miami Herald first reported that Berti had been traded to the Yankees. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Cruz’s inclusion in the deal. Christina De Nicola of MLB.com broke the news that it was a three-team deal with the Rays and that Sasaki was headed to the Marlins as well.
Dude is serviceable…
Nice pick up. They had money for Berti but not for Lorenzen.
Well 3.6m isn’t 10m.
Lorenzen will make $4.5M minimum and $7M maximum this year. Yanks could done that easily…
Yes but that potential of $7 million is multiplied by 101% because they’re over the third threshold.
Yankees making big moves to help with their injury prone infield lol
“Lorenzen will make 4.5M”…Lorenzen is like a backup QB, everyone wants him, until he’s actually on the field and they see him play. After all, it was the Yankees hitting(and the usual suspect’s injuries), not pitching, that took them down last year.
and don’t forget to subtract whatever Rortvedt is making
That could total as high as $14.7 million. Not worth it.
Yankees needed an infielder badly and I give Cashman credit.
Ok. Just remember this philosophy when the Yanks get thin on pitching this season. Cheap infielders are easy to come by. Dirt cheap pitchers are cheap for a reason, and you don’t want them on a team. They could have had a flexible, relatively inexpensive pitcher in Lorenzen and gotten a cheaper option for the bench. Pitching is harder to get than backup infielders. There’s a ton of those available all year long. Pitching – you have to pay more for – even for a guy like Lorenzen…
Berti will prove to be a smart pickup by Cashman. Besides infield and left field defense, he could change this team from a three-true outcomes offense to one with a little more excitement on the basepaths.
Nothing causes a pitcher to miss on his location more than worrying abort the baserunner with speed taking off for second. That’s been a lost weapon for the Yankees for years.
Lorenzen was great when he was on the mound for the Tigers. Don’t think that’s a good comparison.
Newman was just cut, and wouldn’t have cost a prospect.
Dirt cheap pitchers are cheap for a reason and you don’t want them on a team. Then you talk about how cheap Lorenzen is lol.
Berti is faster and a better defender.
Modern-day version of Rex Hudler 😉
or Homer Bush
Why didn’t the Yankees just traded for JD Davis for cheaper or better yet, why didn’t they just sign him?
Lorenzen can’t play third. His pitching numbers aren’t exactly the Yankees style either (high WHIP, low strikeouts).
They probably thought they have similar pitching options in-house … but they don’t have anyone with infield versatility, who can put up Berti’s OBP, in-house.
Agreed!!
He is a positive impact player but in a different way, not meaning he will win you a bunch of games through the year. He is the type of player that won’t lose you games and keep you in them and make the plays needed over a 162 game season to me a net +player in NY.
The beard has been designated for assignment.
I’ve always hated this rule. Wish Manfred and company could override this rules. 1. Manfred isn’t smart enough for that 2. He would never do it if he wanted. He doesn’t have the bawls to do anything about it.
It’s a power play by the brass. No single Yankee is above the team. If the players don’t have issues with it, so be it.
That cost them Snell & Montgomery in FA. Because neither signed for long term. Plus not one player is above the team? In terms of WS championships that is not working out very well. A dated policy that is hurting them acquire FAs.
@fljay73 You honestly think Snell reportedly turned down $150MM bc he didn’t want to shave?
There’s always a chance players do have an issue with it. But they know better to not speak about it.
It’s why Harper isn’t there.
“Harper isn’t there”…That and the fact the Yankees showed ZERO interest in signing Harper…If the Yankees really wanted Harper, he’d be a Yankee right now. Thinking that Harper considers his beard to be more important than a potential $350M Yankees deal is rather silly.
yeah thats not it but ok. yanks have to pay 110% of the entire payroll in lux tax but u think its because they didnt wanna shave? get real lmao
I’m no Yankees fan, but I’m pretty sure that the aura of putting on the pinstripes overrides the possible nuisance of shaving.
Yea & the professional haircut. Plus the media BS. I haven’t had a haircut since 2007.
Hey, there is something to boast about.
How big is your trailer?
I’m so glad he didn’t go there. He’s got some of the best “show hair” in the game. He wouldn’t look right with it cut off. I’m glad Hader didn’t go there either.
Allegedly.
They stopped scouting you, fljay, long before that.
Their greed (Snell & Monty) cost them dearly. Snell could have had $150 million earlier in the year but thought he was worth over $200 million. He was wrong. Monty could easily have topped this total if he signed earlier instead of waiting on a 7 year deal. He was wrong too. The Yanks for not paying 2.1 x $25-$30 million a year for either of them were not wrong.
Have you seen Blake Snell’s chin when clean shaven? He’s like Rostov in The Great.
Up
lol you jeter judge wrong
The Yankees should put names on the back of the uniforms, too.
nah
You understand that Manfred lives in the United States of America, right? A country with private property rights? His inability to “override” the OWNERS of the Yankees has nothing to do with the size of his balls.
Any power Manfred has comes from the owners giving him that power … strictly through UNANIMOUS decision, because MLB isn’t a democracy. It is governed by contract. Every owner must sign off on every single contract, before it’s legally binding.
Bye bye Berdi!
Bye, bye Beardie!
Yankees Barber busy this week.
Will he be on the plane to Houston?
Jonny B Goodie is going to be a fan favorite there
Add a stroke to get John Parr and “St. Elmo’s Fire” becomes the favorite
Gonna be your man in motion
All I need’s this pair of wheels
Take me where the future’s lyin’
St. Elmo’s Fire, ooh
Can never have enough 30+ year olds on the roster.
I believe that’s one of George Allen’s quotes.
The future is now.
The most interesting thing about Berti is what sort of a HR call Sterling is going to have for him.
If he ever hits one.
If Bartolo Colon can hit one out, Berti is certainly capable.
He’s not here to hit homers, he’s here to be on base a lot when other people hit them.
And he will be.
Bye Bye Berti.
He hit that “Berti Good”.
Call Ernie… cuz Berti just left the yard.
There are an infinite amount of possibilities!
“And that one flies like a Berti outta here!”
you can bet it will be some obscure 1940’s broadway reference
Well damn there’s a move I dig. Berti not only can play anywhere he’s also very fast. Good element to have.
It does appear to be a good move Salzilla. But it is truly an enigma, how a team that claims to be all in has no interest whatsoever in pitching, which you can never have enough of.
Oh you’ll get no disagreements from me on that, but they made a move they needed to, so for today I am happy. I really feel like this a great fit for this team, too, beyond replacing DJ.
Agreed, and I really like how Cashman isn’t tripling down on TTO guys finally! We are getting guys that can put the ball in play, move runners over and steal bases. This is a really good move, imo, especially given Rortvedt was as good as gone.
I’m beginning to wonder if someone competent duct taped Cashman to an office chair and stuck him in a closet somewhere.
Nobody left really I’d go sign clevinger, or make a trade for bieber, but I doubt the yanks do either of those.
How good is this guy?
About as good a replacement for DJ as they could get tbh. Definitely better than anyone on the market.
Berti is a good, very underrated, Utility piece. A lot of us Marlins fans will miss him. He’s a good piece to a team.
already did on day one
Yea, when seeing the Avi-matic Out we put in a spot that would have been Berti’s time o go in, it hurt. Same thing after Day 2.
But for what it’s worth, not having Berti isn’t the reason we loss Game 1. It was our bullpen…which is concerning because we know that for the last 4+ seasons, the bullpen’s ability or inability to hold leads has determined whether we win or lose games. Game 1 was blown game 1 by our bullpen for 2024. Game 2 makes it look like a bad idea to have tried to move Puk into the rotation. With how bad he looked and how Tanner Scott looked in Game 1, if they both blow in their next outings (Puk as SP and Scott as Closer), it’s time to put Puk in as the Closer.
And instead of letting the Avi-matic Out bat in games and kill innings, the Marlins should just throw him in the bullpen as a two-way player who only comes in as a defensive replacement late in games and a reliever for anything his arm can provide us – never letting him bat, except in blowouts.
And in related news, Avi DFA Watch continues as the Avi-matic Out went 1 for 4 with 1 worthless hit later in the game that he couldn’t produce when the Marlins needed him earlier n the game, but instead grounded into TWO DOUBLE PLAYS TO KILL INNINGS! He is now a Chris Davis-esque 1 for 6 on the season…wondering when will be the next opportunity for an AB in an already decided game to get a hit since he’ll kill innings when games are still in the balance. Avi, if the Marlins decide to let you go on or slightly before May 1st, last night’s worthless hit may have been your last with the Marlins – not like you’ve had that many in you Marlins career.
Marlins just giving away a guy who posted 2 WAR for them in each of the last two seasons?
I get he’s probably not a starter this season, but it’s not as if the Marlins have solid enough depth.
I don’t think you understand the market that Berti had. If the Marlins had been able to get more for him, you’d figure they would’ve done so
My point is more so why are they moving him in the first place?
They probably just want to move his salary more than anything.
I don’t really get it from Miami’s POV as Berti’s salary is low and he can still play well. They got two lottery tickets back.
Because they have a cheaper and arguably better option in Dane Myers
I think their thinking was, when someone needed depth due to injury that’s when they’d strike. Case in point here. I think he had better value last year at the deadline, but that’s how it is.
@Big Smoke
I was thinking the same thing that this may have had to do more with finding a spot for someone else they wanted on the roster.
Sad part is that trading Berti is the result of Avi Garcia’s failure with the Marlins. If Avi did his job, there wouldn’t be a need for someone like Myers on the roster, so Berti would’ve still been here.
I, like every Marlins fan, will be expecting Avi Garcia to have a better year than both Dane Myers and John Berti. If he doesn’t, he deserves the Renyel Pinto treatment. In fact, on Opening Day, when Avi’s name is introduced, he needs to get the same exact treatment Renyel Pinto got on what turned out to be his final Opening Day with the Marlins.
They acquired the Yankees’ 10th best prospect in Cruz and another prospect from Tampa.,,,Berti is 34yo
They got a really good prospect back. Didn’t give him away. Probably got back a high return for what he is.
Not saying they did. I liked John Cruz but he just turned 18.
It’s a bizarre move for the Marlins unless they’re sort of punting this year with Alcantara out. They need offense badly and Berti is one of the few guys on the team that posted even a league average OPS+ last year. Marlins were 5th-to-last in runs scored last year and have now subtracted Soler and Berti from the roster. They might have the worst offense in baseball now.
It’s a great move for the Marlins. They just got a prospect with a huge upside potential for a career backup player.
“They just got a prospect with a huge upside potential”
Not sure which prospect you’re talking about but Cruz is 18 and a lottery ticket at best (per the article, 25th in the Yankees system, which is a middle-of-the-pack system) and Sasaki just went unclaimed in the Rule 5 draft (again, in the article above). I guess it’s a decent return for Berti but I’ll repeat that the Marlins aren’t in a position to deal away offense if they’re trying to make the playoffs this year, which they don’t appear to be.
You didn’t know who I was talking about but immediately started talking about him. Talk about trying to spin a bad trade. Everyone is 18 at one point. I’ll take 18 year olds with loads of talent all day long.
He’s an 18 year old who hasn’t played about Rookie ball rated 25th in a “middle-of-the-pack system”. That’s the exact profile of a huge upside, high risk prospect.
You seem to be forgetting about the salary they’re also dealing away.
Berti wasn’t even going to start for the Marlins, once they signed Anderson to play short. Trading him is definitely not punting by any means.
“Berti wasn’t even going to start for the Marlins, once they signed Anderson to play short.”
lmao at relying on Tim Anderson to be your every day shortstop. Guess they really are punting on 2024.
Take Tim Anderson over Volpes horrendous ops any day of the week.
That was Tim’s excuse on the ground ball. He said it took a horrendous hop! (Can’t make your comparison as Volpe is an actual SS, and Anderson just pretends to be.)
I’ll take Volpe’s gold glove and bat over Tim Anderson’s everything last year.
Anderson
1hr, 25 rbi, .245 avg .582 OPS, 60 OPS+
Volpe
21 hr, 60 rbi, .209 avg, .666 OPS, 88 OPS+
Yes both nothing to brag about but Anderson has a better track record and will have a bounce back year.
@rct
We’ve subtracted Berti and Soler. So what? We’ve added Tim Anderson, we have Burger and Bell on board for an entire season, Sanchez and De Le Cruz are ready to take it to the next level, and we’ve opened a roster spot for either Dane Myers, Xavier Edwards or Troy Johnston – all excellent pure hitters. Check their stats. If Jazz and Luis Arraez stay healthy (and we get rid of Avi Garcia), we could become an offensive powerhouse. Last year’s stats don’t matter. Those days are dead and gone. Look a little closer under the hood, and I think you’ll find a lot to like. Me, personally? I love it when people dismiss the Marlins, then run for cover when we exceed expectations.
@MARLINS POWER 18
You can’t expect @rct to give the Marlins a fair shake. He’s a Mets fan that always bashes my comments. That’s all you need to know there.
And I too like when people write off the Marlins and bash their decisions, then have nothing to say later one when their gibberish turns out wrong.
I still get a chuckle at so many of them over the years. Come to think of it…is this the first player the Marlins have traded to the Yankees since Jeter “gifted” Stanton to the Yankees? Hmmm…
@rct
Um…you always bash me for eny statement I make, but then you come up with this?
I love Berti and will miss him not being with the Marlins anymore, but he’s not the center of the Marlins offense. I know you’re looking for anything to try and get hope for your Mets, but making an asinine statement isn’t the way to go. Soler was a significant loss. Berti is not.
Absolutely a ridiculously uninformed take.
Really? You’re the guy that looks for anything to bash me about, and you go ahead and make this ridiculous statement?
What are the Marlins getting in exchange for him? Player to be Named Later? Cash? Soda? Cleaning Supplies?
The Yankees have a backup catcher, Ben Rortvedt, who is almost certainly part of this trade.
I’m curious if you posted this before the update that confirmed Rortvedt heading to Tampa Bay. If so, impressive.
Yes, I did. It was well understood among those that follow these things that Cashman was holding onto Rortvedt to make a late Spring deal, when people were settling on the end of their bench. Rortvedt was out of options, the Yankees had FIVE catchers on the 40; clearly he was not going to stay with the team unless one of the two primary catchers was hurt in ST. Cashman values catchers and he was hoping he could use Rortvedt in a deal. It all was very predictable.
Ben went to Tampa.
You called that one, Gasu1. Good job!
Future hall of famer for all we know
Oh thank god. Having Berti in the division as a Mets fan is hell. Berti is a good little player man, even though hes 34 now
Came here to say this. Thank you.
I agree he always seemed to do very well against the braves!
Berti did kill the Mets. Let’s hope he kills the O’s and Jays and RedSox and Rays the same way.
Berti is a good, scrappy player who was very underrated as a Utlity guy. I’m gonna miss seeing him with us.
wasn’t john cruz supposed to be good?
Yeah our number 10 prospect, but he’s only turning 18 this year. Too early to tell how he’ll pan out, but definitely has potential.
Number 29th NYY prospect. I’ll miss Berti.
Depends on the list provider. 10th according to the Athelic.
When your major move is a trade for a utility infielder, it’s going to be a long season. or two.
?
If you’re talking about the Yankees, I don’t think this is their major move
If you’re talking about the Marlins, I don’t think they traded for the utility infielder in this case.
I think they picked up Soto.I can’t for him to leave in the offseason.Unless the yanks make the playoffs.Then a big maybe.
so theres this Juan Soto guy…
Berti the major move for the Yankees this offseason? Really? Did the Soto trade get nullified?
GREAT MOVE AS A YANKEES FAN
I question that. While I like Berti as a player, and with LeMaheau (sp.) ? out Berti will certainly help, you just helped out a division rival at a position they are really vulnerable at.
Ben Rortvedt sucks and also isnt real
Can the Yankees trade a player who doesn’t exist?
Its a Twitter joke
@Fraham
Do you really doubt the Rays ability to get a player into maximizing his ability?
There’s three things I know about MLB the last few years:
1 – Don’t make a trade with the Rays.
2 – Don’t make a trade with the Braves.
3 – Don’t go to sleep when either of them pick up a player for very little or nothing.
Aks any fan of an NL East or AL East division rival of those teams that has common sense.
They gave away cronenworth and pham for nothing
And what has happened for the most part with them?
Hey, my Marlins got Jesus Sanchez from them in a deal we seem to have won in the long term, but I still ain’t ignoring all the other moves the Rays make…and win.
Other deals too they lost like Nate Lowe and Joe Ryan. Obviously they win most but this is a 3 team deal with less known players so no need not to make.
I’m hoping our former Rays guy Bendix has gotten a good deal here.
And I think most people would get a chuckle if the Rays and Marlins are the winners in this trade, and the Yankees lose. I like Berti, but it would be funny considering the Rays would have done it again, and our guy is a former Rays guy.
I am legendary you are not
Feel for OCab but I like Berti better to play 3B and Util.
See ya Ben!
Great news for Austin Wells!
Not so great for Ozzie Cabrera
Agreed YBC. I mean, truthfully, this move should’ve been made regardless of whether O. Cabrera was injured.
I think we may see Cabrera get some AAA ABs at some point this season.
Once DJL comes back, there’s no room for him on the 26-man.
Jones will go down.
One would safely assume Dane Myers is the next man up for Miami now
It seems that way. Shame is that if Avi did his job for us, Berti would still be around.
Why is this trade more complicated than it has to be?
That makes sense about Rortvedt
It likely was complicated because the Marlins did not need a backup catcher. Since Rortvedt was their most expendable resource, the Yankees needed to turn him into something of interest to the Marlins.
Really should help solidify the back end of the rotation….
He is really fast.
Hmmm I said somewhere on these articles we shipping trade Revordt to Tampa for Uwasawa. The way this unfolding I winder if there’s another piece coming to NYY…
*should not shipping, tho fitting.
This is a good deal by Cashman
But horrendous for the Yankees.
How? 2 war players that can play multiple positions at a high level don’t grow on trees.
A 2 war player is a mlb average player. Most players can play more than one position. It’s not unique. His 2 war was a career year at the age of 33. He won’t hit that especially not playing every day for the Yankees.
Ummmm. I don’t know how to tell you this, but you might want to go look up the definition of WAR. It is inherently an above average metric….
Actually you might want to go look it up. It is above average replacement player which is an average minor league player being called up.
A++ for Cashman
Filled a big need with an inexpensive player with an extra year of control for a player we had to dump (Rortvedt) and our #28 ranked prospect. Couldn’t ask for more. Berti can backup the infield and be a top notch pinch runner too.
Rortvedt seemed destined to be traded at the end of ST and likely to the Rays.
Good pickup by the Yankees.
I thought he’d get moved for a $5 scratch-off but I guess they held onto him as a hedge for Wells through ST.
*shrug emoji*
#10 prospect with huge upside for a career backup. Yankees are sure showing signs of desperation this year.
GL with Sevy and Bader!
Looking great in spring training so far.
Cause we know how important spring training is lol.
His prospect value was all over the map. Some had him 10th, some had him toward the back end of the top 30. 18 year olds are just hard to project.
You don’t give him up for role players.
A) He was #28 in the Yankees system. Where the hell did you get he was #10? B) Berti will be the Yankees starting 3B and will see time all over the field. He is better than half the Mets starters this year lol.
He isn’t better than any of the Mets starters. You made yourself a joke by saying that. You do realize there are more then one rankings for prospects but you wouldn’t know that when you make moronic comments like you just did.
Always
I thought Rortvedt was going to be used in a package to get a superstar?
Compared to most of their players who can be found laying in hospital beds, Berti is quite the superstar. But don’t worry, Dr. Boondoggle will have him in stitches soon enough. Literally.
reportedly the Yanks had an offer of Ohtani for Clint Frazier, Rob Refsnyder and Rortverdt but they wisely turned it down
Seems like they gave up a pretty good young prospect to get a mid 30s bench type vet for one year.
He has 1 more arb year after his. Like a cheaper, better base running IKF!
If a guy is ranked #28 in your system, that is not a pretty good prospect.
Deej: Rankings are not gospel.
This guy is likely this low because he only signed for $75k, so he was not on anyone’s list or radar especially when compared to other higher profile Yankees signings like Arias, Mayea, etc.
He was the youngest player in the FCL last year. Led the league in RBI and was 2nd in HR in a place that’s traditionally very tough to hit homers. He’s very athletic and has a good frame. It’s a great pickup by the Marlins.
Lol. The 3 most overrated teams make a deal.
People rate the Marlins high? I dont think I have ever heard anyone talk about the Marlins since they rebranded to Miami.
Um, the Rays and Marlins are overrated? Wow! Am I in a Multiverse?
Lol this guy actually thinks people are overrating Miami. Please tell us who these mythical beings are?
Vegas had them at 79.5 over under wins at one time. Easiest under ever after last years luck + losing players
Ah yes, because bookies reflect the average fan’s opinion. I forgot.
@Big Smoke
The Rays and Marlins overrated? I think we’re in one of those multiverses.
It’ll be interesting to see whether or not some consistent plate appearances will improve Rortvedt’s batting line.
Where else can it go?
Same place it has been? haha
He doesn’t have to hit a lot. If his defense is as good as advertized, then the Ray’s got a guy for a vulnerable position, which they emphasized. Remember you are trading with the Rays. Be careful.
I like the move. Saves us from having to put 81 OPS+, .209 hitting Volpe at leadoff
So you believe that Volpe will be a a .209 hitter career for his entire career?
What motive could the marlins possibly have here berti is worth more than 3.6 open market
Article says $3.6MM for 2024 but everywhere else I’m seeing 2.125MM. Probably doesn’t matter but every dollar cost more for NY
I like Berti, but he was moved to make room for guys like Vidal Brujan, Jonah Bride, Xavier Edwards, Dane Myers and Nick Gordon – all of whom are a lot younger and have more upside – as well bring an excellent young CF prospect who can flat-out hit. I love this move. Good work by the front office. And to all the brain-dead non-Marlins fans who continually bash our club without understanding its inner workings: You might want to remember that we have a brand-new front office – and they’re a lot more capable than Derek Jeter’s inept collection of clowns ever were. Don’t believe it? Wait and see. I, for one, am glad opening day is finally here.
Why did Berti stop stealing last year?
…because he got arrested!
I hear he was having lower back issues.
Objective win-win for Miami. Dane Myers must be let cook.
Bendix only seems to know Rays prospects.
It seems that way…or he knows which ones he could pry from the Rays, that are worth it to him.
Miami gave up 34 yr old vet & picked up 2 decent prospects. Not bad
Nice, I like the Sasaki pick up for the fish!
This is a nice move for all teams but as Marlins fan, I think they will win this trade if even one of the two OF prospects turns out to be a big league regular.
Makes sense to trade an older vet for prospects and with Dane Myers/Xavier Edwards waiting in the minors as UT replacement options.
@stretch123
It may not happen this season, but I think both Edwards and Myers are good enough to play every day. However, if someone gets hurt or underperforms, we’ll see them (and maybe Troy Johnston) in the lineup soon enough, and the hitting attack won’t miss a beat. If anything, it’ll improve.
This does open the door for other guys.
Yankees getting older again. How many prospects can they keep shipping out for vets on short-term deals? I know there’s nothing special about these two, but at some point they all add up.
The window is getting shorter and shorter.
Are you sure? Doesn’t 34-year old Berti make the Yankees a younger team?
So Tim Locastro again? I don’t hate it good depth.
except Locastro had a AVG under .200 to pair up with 0 pop. least this guy had a solid avg and obp last year
Is he going to pitch for them?
Any reason why Berti’s SB total actually went DOWN last year? Bizarre since he is very good on the base paths…
I hear he was having lower back issues.
Yeah, he had back issues and there were less risks taken on the basepaths since the team was in the Playoff race all last year.
Maybe this move will push the Yankees projected win total north of 70 on B-Ref?
The Yankees will start the season with 0 and 4. Just because the Rizzo,DJ, Cole, and the nex week Stanton hurst.
Oh, why does everyone keep mentioning Stanton! Oh the pain! Why did Jeter “gift” Stanton to his beloved Yankees!
thank goodness TB went glove-first! Not like offense has been an issue…
We just can’t have nice things. That’s it, isn’t it? The hole at catcher has existed for fifteen years now, ffs.
This looks like a good trade for all teams involved., they filled their biggest weakness.
Where was all this energy during free agency?
if djlm was actually coming back in 2 weeks they have internal options (cabrera looked good this spring). it’s a solid trade but may indicate they expect a longer absence
Cabrera looked good this spring !!!!!!!,,ummm, this is why they get Berty !!!!
cabrera actually showed signs of regaining his rookie year form (108 ops+). he would have been a perfectly cromulent short term fill-in so the trade might suggest the team expects djlm to be out for months not weeks
Seems like the Yankees got a winner……dammit.
“Miami has been looking for a long-term center fielder for years now. … but he at least [Sasaki] Miami someone with a reasonable chance to become that everyday center fielder they’ve sought.”
—–So the author believes the Rays dealt a player with a “reasonable chance” of becoming an everyday CFer for BEN RORTVEDT? ???
I do not have enough question marks in this keyboard.
The situation is the fact that Peter Bendix is the Marlins decision maker coming from the Rays, so he knows their prospects.
That may be a big part of that opinion.
However, I’m always on the side of prospects are just suspects until they prove what they can do at the MLB level.
And of course, I know it’s never good to make a trade with the Rays. But we do want a repeat of a certain trade we made with the Yankees. So anything can happen here.
We have both Berti and Burdi on the roster. Now that’s a winning combination.
Looks like the Marlins are punting 2024.
Yeah, the notion that John Berti is a ‘make-or-break’ piece for whether the Marlins are a winner or loser in 2024 just wreaks of a very recklessly, uninformed, asinine statement.
@BannedMarlinsFanBase
Amen to that!
Who are these guys?
Where do they come from?
Unbelievable . . .
Berti is underrated and better than Tim Anderson. The Marlins are ridiculous. Selling with 24 hours to go until opening day. Pathetic ownership.
Berti’s a good player. I like him. But we needed to clear roster space for younger, better, major-league ready options like Edwards and/or Myers. And we obtained two nice prospects. Also, TA 7 is a definite upgrade. Low-cost, no-risk, big upside. If you’re a Fish fan like me, keep the faith. Better days are ahead.
Wow, I can’t believe these guys are actually saying that Berti is better than Tim Anderson. I like Berti like nearly the entire Marlins fan base does, but he and Tim anderson’s careers don’t say that he’s better than Tim Anderson. Berti is indeed underrated, but that does not mean he’s better than a guy who has had a high level career, with the exception of last season.
But I’m pretty sure all the people who are bashing away at the Marlins over this move will make themselves scarce later on once things show what they are in this trade. I mean, there’s a long history of guys yapping negatively about the Marlins who disappear when it’s time for a feast of crow.
If our guys play well and we take over the division lead, things could get very quiet around here. And to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind that at all.
He is better than Anderson now.
Interesting. I thought they would have just signed Brian Anderson for a few weeks or swing a trade for Jake Lamb.
Grab the razor and shaving cream!
Seems a fine little trade for all parties.
So is Rortvedt better than Mejia or Jackson? No I don’t think so. Another fairly clueless move by Rays brass.
Well, clearly Jon Berti being traded affected our bullpen blowing another game.
Marlins Baseball from 2020 to 2024 and counting is determined by the bullpen’s ability or inability to hold leads. 2020 and 2023, the bullpen held leads, and the Marlins made the Playoffs. 2021 and 2022, Marlins bullpen couldn’t find a lead that they couldn’t blow, and the Marlins were well below .500.
To start 2024, the bullpen blows a 3-run lead. 7 innings of work with 4 runs, 7 hits and 6 walks. Not a good sign after Game 1. Even worse that Arraez is in a major slump after going 0 for 6 today!
And in other news…Avi DFA Watch continues as he was 0 for 2.