Anthony Rizzo helped play recruiter for Cubs this winter
As Jon Berti weighed his decisions during free agency, a former teammate — who happens to be a Cubs icon — helped alleviate the pressure of making a choice.
Anthony Rizzo and Berti played together with the Yankees last season, and Berti was activated from the IL just days after the Cubs’ legend’s return to Wrigley Field in September.
“He obviously holds a special place in his heart for Chicago, and always talked very highly of it,” Berti said during his introductory Zoom press conference on Wednesday.
[WATCH: What Jon Berti learned from Anthony Rizzo before singing with Cubs]
Berti, who signed as a free agent with the Cubs earlier this week on a 1-year contract, had his own positive memories of Wrigley Field, too.
“Everyone always asked me where my favorite stadium to always play in and Wrigley Field’s always my favorite place to play,” Berti said. “I hit my first big league homer there, and always just love coming there.
“The fans are amazing.”
Berti hit a solo home run off Cole Hamels on May 6, 2019, during his rookie campaign as a Marlin at the Friendly Confines. Since that moment. Berti has developed into a solid utility player throughout his career, like the role he’ll likely fill with the Cubs in 2025.
He’ll bounce around the infield for Craig Counsell, offering a reprieve to other infielders, including Michael Busch at first base. Berti made his big-league debut at first base in the playoffs with the Yankees last October, a role he learned from Rizzo.
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Berti used the bye during the AL Wild Card round to learn the intricacies of the position from Rizzo, who was recovering from injury.
“I was asking them a million questions, anything and everything, positioning, how he holds the bag, certain situations, where does he go? Advice on bunt plays; anything and everything,” Berti said. “So, it was a crash course that took a few weeks, but I was able to use it, and we felt comfortable enough to put me out there, and I had some success.
“He taught me a lot and looking forward to taking that into the future, if needed.”