Chicago Cubs DFA Former Major League Stolen Base Leader After Blunder

August 12, 2025


Just two days after a royal screw-up cost his team the game, one-time major league stolen base leader Jon Berti has been designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs. 

And let's just say that Cubs fans are not too upset to see him go. He was thrown out in the 9th inning Sunday night against the hated St. Louis Cardinals as a pinch-runner as the potential tying run, leading to yet another crushing Cubs loss. 

And the worst part about it? Nico Hoerner singled on the very next pitch, which would have tied the game. The unfortunate part for Berti, is that he actually beat the throw and was safe, essentially. But a replay review ruled that his hand came up off the bag by a fraction of an inch. And analyst Cliff Floyd didn't like the call.

The Cubs have plummeted to 6.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central Division, and have lost four of their last six series. The division could hinge on a huge 5-game series against the Brewers next week. 

Berti is an eight-year major league veteran, who really has just one job on the roster—to steal bases. In 2022 with the Miami Marlins, he stole an MLB-best 41 bases in 46 attempts. This season, in 51 games, he has just 100 plate appearances, and 11 steals in 14 attempts. 

The 35-year-old infielder will now try to catch on with any other team looking for a pinch-runner. 


Photo credit: Marquee Sports Network @WatchMarquee

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