Eventually, all stories must end, and Jon Berti’s story has come to an end today. After 8 seasons in the MLB and 15+ years in professional baseball, the former Yankees player has hung up his cleats.
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“After a lot of thought and consideration, I have decided to retire from professional baseball… I’m very grateful for all the opportunities and lessons that baseball has given me over the last 15+ years… I’m excited for what’s to come. Until next time,” wrote the player on Instagram.
Jon Berti has retired at the age of 36, closing an MLB career built through patience, speed, and versatility. After 15+ professional years, he thanked every organization that gave him another chance professionally.
Toronto, Cleveland, Miami, New York, and Chicago all became important stops in his journey across the world of baseball. He also thanked Team Italy, his coaches, teammates, staff, fans, and family in his message. For fans, his retirement closes a career that kept trying to get chances to play.
His path to MLB was never simple, even after Toronto selected him in the 2011 Draft. The Blue Jays took Berti in the 18th round after his standout Bowling Green career. He then spent seven seasons in the minor leagues, playing 792 games before earning his first call-up to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018.
Berti debuted at 28 in 2018, but his first shot in the MLB was not what he expected. After only 4 games, Toronto designated him for assignment before Cleveland acquired him.
Toronto eventually brought him back, but Miami was the place he became a household name. Berti became a useful player because he could defend at multiple positions.
His best season arrived in 2022 for the Marlins, when he stole 41 bases in 102 games. Berti led MLB with 41 stolen bases in 2022 despite appearing in only 102 games- the fewest games ever played by a full-season major-league stolen-base leader. With his cleats in the rack, he had an average of .256 with 24 home runs and 108 stolen bases.
But some moments became the spotlight of his career, especially the unforgettable night against the Mets.
In 2020, Berti stole second, third, and home during the same inning at Citi Field. He stumbled while stealing home, then famously crawled toward the plate before scoring. That became a lasting image of his fearless running and willingness to take risks.
With New York, his versatility returned during the 2024 postseason against the Royals.
Berti started at first base without any experience and made several strong plays. He later reached the World Series with the Yankees before finishing with Chicago in 2025.
Then came one final opportunity with Team Italy during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Berti hit .375 with 6 hits and 1 home run in 4 games for Italy. And that made him an all-time great for Italy. And now, his legacy will be talked about for stolen bases, struggles, and how one man with speed crawled his way to the finish line.