MESA, Ariz. — While the Cubs have seemingly addressed almost every need this offseason, there is an intriguing opening on the team.

It’s the backup first base job.

No, not the flashiest and not the third base opening that is the talk of camp, but an important one, nonetheless.

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Michael Busch emerged as a solid option both offensively and defensively in 2024, but the Cubs don’t have a natural backup behind him.

Patrick Wisdom and Cody Bellinger, who each made over 20 appearances at first for the Cubs last season, are gone and the team’s additions don’t feature anyone with clear first base experience in the big leagues.

Well, except Jon Berti.

The veteran was signed as a free agent this winter and while he’s primarily been known for playing at other positions in the infield, he made his major-league debut at first last year with the Yankees, in the playoffs of all situations — and partially learned some of the intricacies from Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo.

That could lead to an opportunity this spring.

“He got his first, first base experience in the playoffs last year,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Tuesday. “It’s something he can do. How the roster looks right now, it makes sense for us to get him some action over there, some experience.”

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Berti made three starts for the Yankees in their run to the World Series in 2024. He started 2 games against the Royals in the ALDS and then started Game 3 of the ALCS against the Guardians.

His versatility was intriguing to the Cubs this offseason and the ability to play first base contributed to that. If he does serve as the Cubs’ backup first baseman, he would serve as a platoon compliment for Busch.

While he’s been pretty platoon-neutral (.701 career OPS against righties, .708 OPS against lefties), Berti’s right-handed bat would give the Cubs another look at first.

“Certainly an option,” Counsell said.