Chicago Cubs sign two former Blue Jays

A day after signing former Blue Jays reliever Trevor Richards to a minor league contract, the north siders have added catch Reese McGuire and infielder Jon Berti. McGuire was signed to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training, while Berti receives a one year, $2MM contract, with another $1.3MM in performance bonuses.

McGuire was a well-liked figure in Toronto, as he came up through the ranks with fellow catcher Danny Jansen. The Seattle native was originally a 1st round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013, before being shipped to the Blue Jays along with Harold Ramirez and Francisco Liriano for Drew Hutchison at the 2016 trade deadline.

He spent parts of four seasons with the Blue Jays, slashing .248/.297/.390 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 141 games. He was traded to the White Sox at the beginning of the 2022 season, later being dealt to the Boston Red Sox, where he spent the next 2.5 seasons. He was DFA'd by the team a day after they acquired his old friend Jansen.

Jon Berti made his major league debut with the Blue Jays back in 2018 after being selected by them in the 18th round of 2011 draft. Known for his speed and versatility, he appeared in four games for the team, garnering 15 at bats with two RBIs and one stolen base. He was outrighted after the season.

He spent the next five seasons with the Miami Marlins, becoming an everyday player in 2022, when he led the league with 41 stolen bases. He was dealt to the Yankees in 2024 in a three-team trade that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays.

For his career, Berti has a slash line of .259/.337/.366 with 24 home runs, 126 RBIs, and 97 stolen bases.

SOURCE - MLB Trade Rumours