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Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Movie Casts Jon Bernthal
EXCLUSIVE: Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey is adding to its already stellar cast as sources tell Deadline that Emmy winner Jon Bernthal is boarding the film. He joins a cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron.
Last month, Universal revealed that Nolan’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer would be an adaptation of the epic poem composed by Homer around the 8th century BCE.
“Christopher Nolan’s next film The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new Imax film technology,” the studio said at the time. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to Imax film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.”
It is unknown who Bernthal will be playing; Universal had no comment on his casting.
The ancient Greek poem is one of the foundational texts of Western literature. It tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will. The tale includes iconic stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
The Odyssey is expected to start shooting next month and marks Nolan’s second for Universal, on the heels of Oppenheimer. Its 2026 release date falls in line with the window often reserved by that filmmaker, as was the case with the historical drama starring Cillian Murphy.
As for Bernthal, the actor recently won an Emmy for his role on FX’s The Bear. Next up, has an arc in the upcmoing Disney+ series Daredevil, in which he will reprise his beloved role as The Punisher. He also stars opposite Ben Affleck in The Accountant 2, which hits theaters April 25, and is co-lead of Netflix’s His & Hers opposite Tessa Thompson based on the hugely popular novel, set to debut later this year.
Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film adaptation of ‘The Odyssey’ has just announced its latest casting choice, and it’s none other than the talented Jon Bernthal. Known for his roles in ‘The Punisher’ and ‘The Walking Dead,’ Bernthal is sure to bring a gritty and intense performance to the epic tale.Fans of both Bernthal and Nolan are buzzing with excitement over this casting news, as they eagerly await more updates on the project. With Nolan’s visionary direction and Bernthal’s powerful acting chops, ‘The Odyssey’ is shaping up to be a must-see cinematic experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on the cast and production of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ as this star-studded film continues to take shape.
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Grammy winner Jon Batiste headlining intimate Napa fundraiser
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste plans to celebrate Festival Napa Valley’s summer season with a charity concert.
The organization has tapped Batiste to headline its annual Arts for All Gala on July 13, which helps to raise funds for arts programs, scholarships and other education initiatives.
“His boundless positivity, creativity, and passion for bringing people together through music align perfectly with the Gala’s mission to celebrate the transformative power of education and the arts,” Mary Beth Shimmon, who is chairing the event with her husband, Festival Napa Valley board member David Shimmon, said of Batiste via an email.
The five-time Grammy Award-winning musician just launched a new solo piano series with his recent album, “Beethoven Blues,” and is responsible for the score of Jason Reitman’s 2024 film “Saturday Night.” He also starred in and composed the 2023 Netflix documentary, “American Symphony,” which follows Batiste as he learns that his partner, author Suleika Jaouad, has cancer. Two years prior, he won an Academy Award for his work on the score of Pixar’s animated feature “Soul.”
Reservations for the gala are now open for Festival Passport and Opening Weekend Patron passholders and table sponsors. A limited number of individual passes will be available in the spring.
The annual charity event has raised more than $28 million since launching in 2010, and supports education programs, music and wellness initiatives, scholarships and financially accessible concerts.
Guests at the gala will be treated to a dinner by Chef Rogelio Garcia, the executive chef of the Michelin-starred Auro at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, and each course will be paired with wines from Far Niente Wine Estates. There will also be a live auction featuring luxury getaways, performing arts experiences and wines.
Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste is set to headline an intimate fundraiser in Napa Valley. The event will be held at a private vineyard and will feature a performance by the talented jazz artist, as well as a special dinner and wine tasting experience.Batiste, who recently won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his album “We Are,” is known for his soulful and energetic performances that blend jazz, blues, and R&B. His music is sure to captivate guests at this exclusive event, which will raise funds for a local charity supporting music education in underserved communities.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique evening of music, food, and wine, while also supporting a great cause. Tickets for the fundraiser are limited, so be sure to secure your spot for this unforgettable night with Jon Batiste in Napa Valley.
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Jon Batiste to headline Napa Valley gala
Jon Batiste will headline Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala in July.
Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Batiste will headline Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala, to be heldJuly 13 at the Oakville property Nickel & Nickel, part of Far Niente Wine Estates.
The gala includes a dinner presented by Rogelio Garcia, executive chef of the Michelin-starred Auro at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Each course will be paired with wines from Far Niente.
Reservations for the 2025 Arts for All Gala are now open for Festival Passport and Opening Weekend Patron Pass holders and table sponsors.
A limited number of individual passes will be available in spring 2025 for $3,000 each.
For information, visit festivalnapavalley.org/support/arts-for-all-gala/ or call 707-927-3874.
Festival Napa Valley’s summer concert season takes place July 5-20 at venues throughout the region.
For more information, go to festivalnapavalley.org.
Gala headliner Batiste appeared nightly as bandleader and musical director on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” from 2015-22.
He won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for Pixar’s 2020 animated feature, “Soul,” and five Grammy Awards for his 2021 album “We Are.” He also was the subject of the 2023 Netflix feature-length documentary, “American Symphony.“
Chef Garcia was a 2024 finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef: California” honors and was on Season 15 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” series.
“Thanks to the spirited generosity and passionate commitment of our donors and sponsors, the Arts for All Gala is making a profound impact on the quality of life in Wine Country and beyond,” said Rick Walker, President and CEO of Festival Napa Valley.
The gala, held the opening weekend of the annual Festival Napa Valley, has raised $28 million to date for education and the arts programs for youth and seniors, free or affordable concerts and scholarships.
You can reach Staff Writer Dan Taylor at dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com or 707-521-5243. On X @danarts.
I am thrilled to announce that Grammy-award winning artist Jon Batiste will be headlining this year’s Napa Valley gala! Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with incredible music, delicious food, and of course, world-class wine. Save the date and stay tuned for more details on this exclusive event. You won’t want to miss it! #NapaValleyGala #JonBatiste #LiveMusic #WineCountryExperience
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Jon Batiste to Headline Festival Napa Valley’s 2025 Arts for All Gala, July 13
NAPA, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Setting the stage with his high energy positivity and irrepressible creativity, GRAMMY® and Oscar-winning artist Jon Batiste will headline Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala Sunday, July 13, 2025, hosted at the Oakville property of Nickel & Nickel, part of Far Niente Wine Estates.
Jon Batiste Headlines Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala Benefiting Arts Education July 13 at Nickel & NickelCrowning the opening weekend of Festival Napa Valley’s Summer Season, the Arts for All Gala is one of the nation’s premier fundraisers for education and the arts, raising more than $28 million to date. Proceeds fund inspiring education programs for youth and seniors, music and wellness initiatives, free and affordable concerts, and scholarships.
“The Arts for All Gala is a dazzling celebration of art, community, and impact,” said Mary Beth Shimmon, who chairs the Gala with her husband, Festival board member David Shimmon. “A committed group of artists, philanthropists, and visionaries come together with a shared and vital mission: to transform lives through the arts. With the extraordinary Jon Batiste as this year’s headliner, this is the event everyone will be talking about.”
Jon Batiste is known for his genre-defying sound and electrifying performances. He has earned an impressive list of accolades, including five GRAMMY® Awards for his 2021 album, We Are, and an Academy Award for Best Original Score for Pixar’s 2020 animated feature, Soul. A passionate advocate for music’s unifying power to unite and heal, Batiste captivated global audiences as the bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and as the subject of Netflix’s 2023 feature-length documentary, American Symphony.
Gala guests will enjoy a lavish dinner presented by Chef Rogelio Garcia, executive chef of the Michelin-starred Auro at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, each course thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from Far Niente Wine Estates to showcase the elegance and diversity of the Estates’ renowned offerings. The evening includes a live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime luxury getaways, bespoke performing arts experiences, highly collectible wines, and more.
Reservations for the 2025 Arts for All Gala are now open for Festival Passport and Opening Weekend Patron Pass holders and table sponsors. A limited number of individual passes will be available in spring 2025 for $3,000 each. For information, visit https://festivalnapavalley.org/support/arts-for-all-gala/ or call 707-927-3874.
Festival Napa Valley’s Summer Season takes place July 5-20, 2025 at venues throughout Napa Valley. Visit www.festivalnapavalley.org.
About Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste is a five-time Grammy Award-winning and Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer. Batiste recently released his eighth studio album, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1). The first installment in his new solo piano series, the album marks a historical addition to his catalog, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart and achieving his highest-ever debut on the Billboard 200 at No. 64. Also delivering his biggest sales week to date, the album showcases his interpolations of Beethoven’s most iconic works reimagined through an expansive lens.Beethoven Blues follows Jon’s studio album World Music Radio, released August 2023, which received five Grammy nominations including ‘Album of the Year.’ Batiste also earned an Oscar nomination for his song “It Never Went Away,” on behalf of the Netflix documentary American Symphony, which follows Batiste in early 2022, when he finds himself celebrated with 11 Grammy nominations, including album of the year for his 2021 studio album, We Are.
On the film side, Batiste’s innovative score is featured in Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night, in theaters now. Depicting the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live in 1975, the film is underscored by Batiste’s musical masterpiece, which features a blend of jazz, classical, and contemporary elements. Batiste composed and produced the music live on the soundstage in front of the cast and crew, perfectly capturing the intensity and unpredictability of the show’s debut episode.
This year, Batiste has extended his touch to entrepreneurship with the debut of Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at Baha Mar Bahamas, a spectacular 12,900-square-foot, 278-seat space experience that draws inspiration from The Bahamas’ rich musical history where African, European, and Caribbean sounds intertwine.
About Chef Rogelio Garcia
Chef Rogelio Garcia is the Executive Chef of Auro at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Known for his innovative approach to modern Mexican cuisine, Chef Garcia blends classical French techniques with global influences, showcasing Napa Valley’s legendary terroir and ingredients in his seasonal menus. Under his leadership, Auro quickly earned Michelin-star recognition and continues to be a gastronomic destination. Chef Garcia was a 2024 finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef: California” and a Bravo Top Chef Season 15 alumnus. He has worked at renowned restaurants such as Cyrus, The French Laundry, and Spruce. Born in Mexico City and raised in Napa, Chef Garcia is passionate about telling the stories of local farmers and producers, bringing them to life through his exceptional culinary creations. www.auronapavalley.comAbout Far Niente Wine Estates
Far Niente Wine Estates and its single vineyard, single varietal pioneer, Nickel & Nickel, represent a legacy of excellence and stewardship that spans over 135 years, uniting wines and vineyards under a unified vision of artistry, integrity, and community. Founded in 1885 by John Benson with the construction of the iconic Far Niente stone winery in the heart of Napa Valley, Far Niente Wine Estates preserves its heritage while advancing the craft of winemaking through the vision and dedication of the dreamers and doers who have shaped the luxury wine industry. www.farniente.comAbout Festival Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s namesake festival presents international stars and emerging talent during the summer season in Napa and year-round on iconic stages in California and beyond. With inspiring education programs for youth and seniors, tuition-free academies for vocalists and instrumentalists, and scholarships for talented students, Festival Napa Valley plays a vital part in creating a thriving, healthy, and engaged community. www.festivalnapavalley.org
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jon-batiste-to-headline-festival-napa-valleys-2025-arts-for-all-gala-july-13-302357675.htmlSOURCE Festival Napa Valley
Festival Napa Valley is thrilled to announce that Grammy-winning musician and bandleader Jon Batiste will headline the Arts for All Gala on July 13, 2025. Known for his dynamic and energetic performances, Batiste is sure to bring a night of unforgettable music to this prestigious event.The Arts for All Gala is a highlight of Festival Napa Valley, an annual celebration of music, food, and wine in the heart of California’s wine country. The gala raises funds to support arts education and accessibility programs, ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts.
Don’t miss your chance to see Jon Batiste live in concert at the 2025 Arts for All Gala. Stay tuned for more details on ticket sales and event information. It’s sure to be a night to remember!
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#Jon #Batiste #Headline #Festival #Napa #Valleys #Arts #Gala #JulyCubs reach agreement with utilityman Jon Berti on a $2 million deal: Source
The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with utilityman Jon Berti on a one-year, $2 million contract, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday, adding to their bench before the start of spring training.
Berti’s deal, which was first reported by FanSided and MLB.com, is pending a physical and includes $1.3 million in potential performance bonuses.
The 35-year-old can move around an infield that’s currently projected to have a rookie at third base (Matt Shaw) and two Gold Glove defenders recovering from offseason surgeries (Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson). If needed, Berti also has some major-league experience at all three outfield positions.
In November, the New York Yankees non-tendered Berti after a 2024 season that was limited by injuries and put him in line for a salary approaching $4 million via the arbitration system. The Yankees utilized him in two playoff rounds last October.
A 2011 18th-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays, Berti went to high school in suburban Detroit and played college baseball at Bowling Green. He eventually latched on with the Miami Marlins and found a role as a slightly below-average hitter (92 OPS+), who made positive contributions with his speed, defense and versatility.
Berti produced 2.4 WAR (per Baseball Reference) in each of his last two seasons with the Marlins. He notched 41 stolen bases in 2022 and then posted a .748 OPS across 133 games in 2023. That Marlins team finished with 84 wins and edged out the Cubs for a wild-card spot in the 2023 National League playoffs.
(Top photo: Mike Stobe / Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with utilityman Jon Berti on a $2 million deal, according to sources. Berti, who can play multiple positions including infield and outfield, is expected to provide depth and versatility for the Cubs roster. Stay tuned for more updates as the deal is finalized. #Cubs #MLB #JonBerti
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#Cubs #reach #agreement #utilityman #Jon #Berti #million #deal #SourceJon Berti contract with Cubs
CHICAGO – There is a lack of competition for starting roles around the diamond for the Cubs, but building up the depth behind the main cast has remained a priority for the front office as Spring Training looms. Injecting some experience into the bench group was going to be an important component in that process.
On Wednesday night, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the Cubs were in agreement with infielder Jon Berti on a one-year contract that includes a $2 million base salary, plus up to $1.3 million in incentives. Berti would project to be a part of Chicago’s bench, offering depth at multiple spots.
“We’ll just try to continue to bring in guys that can play multiple positions in the infield, give us that depth,” Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said on Saturday. “Guys that would have experience of being able to play a Major League season and just gives us different alternatives.”
Berti, 35, has appeared in seven Major League seasons between stints with the Blue Jays, Marlins and Yankees. He led MLB in stolen bases (41) in 2022, hit at a .294 clip with 26 extra-base hits and 16 steals in 133 games in ‘23, and appeared in 25 games (logging a .342 on-base percentage) in ‘24.
Last season with the Yankees, Berti hit .273/.342/.318 in his 74 plate appearances, while garnering most of his time in the field at third base. He also has plenty of MLB experience at second base and shortstop, as well as time spent in all three outfield positions. In his career, Berti has hit .259/.337/.366 with 97 steals and a 92 OPS+ in 461 games.
During Cubs Con, Hawkins said the front office wanted to create a “safety net” at third base, where Matt Shaw (Pipeline’s top Cubs prospect and No. 22 on the Top 100 list) will be given a chance to earn the starting job. Berti can offer that protection at third, while also offering an option at second as Nico Hoerner works his way back from October surgery (flexor tendon in right forearm).
As far as the Cubs’ 40-man roster currently stands, the infield depth options include Vidal Bruján (acquired earlier this offseason from the Marlins), Gage Workman (added via the Rule 5 Draft), Ben Cowles (Pipeline’s No. 25 Cubs prospect, added to the roster this winter) and prospect Luis Vazquez.
The timing of Hoerner’s return is unclear, as he noted at Cubs Con that he has yet to resume hitting or throwing. The Cubs open the season earlier than usual with the Japan Series against the Dodgers happening on March 18-19 in Tokyo. Chicago’s more traditional opening game is on March 27 against the D-backs in Arizona. Hoerner said he would like to be ready for the beginning of the season, but plans to be smart about his rehab.
“I’m happy with the progress that I’m making,” Hoerner said on Saturday. “It’s hard not to, from Day 1, start projecting out. I think I do myself and the team a bit of a disservice if I rush this process in any way. I think it is in my nature to push towards that direction, but straight up reps and work ethic, effort, doesn’t really heal your tendons. Patience is a huge part of it, too.”
The Chicago Cubs have officially signed utility player Jon Berti to a contract for the upcoming season. Berti, known for his versatility and speed on the base paths, will bring a valuable skill set to the Cubs roster. Stay tuned for updates on how Berti will impact the team’s lineup and defense in the 2022 season. #Cubs #JonBerti #MLBSigning
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#Jon #Berti #contract #CubsThe Complete Audio Holy Bible – KJV: The New Testament as Read by James Earl Jones; The Old Testament as Read by Jon Sherberg
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If you’re looking for a captivating and powerful way to experience the Bible, look no further than The Complete Audio Holy Bible – KJV. In this stunning audio collection, you’ll hear the New Testament read by the legendary James Earl Jones, known for his deep and resonant voice that brings the text to life in a whole new way.But that’s not all – the Old Testament is read by Jon Sherberg, whose expressive and engaging delivery will draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish. With these two talented narrators at the helm, you’ll be transported back in time to experience the timeless wisdom and teachings of the Bible like never before.
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backlit kb | protective sleeve| a515-58pt-50ujChicago Cubs Reportedly Signing Veteran Utilityman Jon Berti
The Chicago Cubs have finally added a big league contract to their bench, signing veteran utilityman Jon Berti to a one-year deal.
Berti, whose 35th birthday is today, was something of late-arriving big leaguer, not establishing himself as a bench guy until he was already 29. But, since then, he has usually been a nice contributor:
A split-neutral righty, Jon Berti has a 95 wRC+ for his career, and he can play any position reasonably well (including shortstop as recently as 2023). He missed most of 2024 with a calf injury, and, given his age, that’s probably the biggest concern heading into 2025: can he still perform at the level he was at in the years before 2024, or was that the start of a decline? Hence a relatively modest deal.
On the one hand, I like the versatility that Berti brings to a Craig-Counsell-led team, and if he’s healthy and doesn’t fall off a cliff, Berti can help the Cubs in a lot of ways.
On the other hand … is this the main bench addition? Like, is this the guy who offers protection at third base for Matt Shaw’s development? At second base for Nico Hoerner’s health? Are we staring down the barrel of a Berti, Vidal Brujan, Alexander Canario, Other Catcher bench?
I’m gonna have to think on this for a moment. More on Berti soon.
The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed versatile utility player Jon Berti to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Berti, who has experience playing multiple positions including infield and outfield, is expected to provide depth and flexibility for the Cubs.The 31-year-old veteran is known for his speed on the basepaths and solid defense, making him a valuable asset for any team. Berti has spent the past few seasons with the Miami Marlins, where he showcased his abilities as a reliable utility player.
With the Cubs looking to add depth to their roster, Berti’s signing is seen as a smart move to strengthen their lineup. His ability to play multiple positions will give the team more options and flexibility in different game situations.
Cubs fans are excited to see what Berti can bring to the team and are hopeful that his addition will help the team compete at a high level in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates as the Cubs continue to make moves to improve their roster.
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Cubs To Sign Jon Berti
The Cubs are in agreement with infielder Jon Berti, reports Robert Murray of FanSided. It’s a one-year, $2MM guarantee that includes another $1.3MM in performance bonuses, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Chicago has a full 40-man roster and will need to make another move once this deal is finalized. Berti is a client of Ball Players Agency.
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said last week that the front office was looking to upgrade the bench. A multi-positional infielder seemed the likeliest target. Chicago has already added Carson Kelly as a backup catcher and has a strong outfield. Their infield was much less settled after they included Isaac Paredes in the Kyle Tucker trade.
Berti, who turns 35 today, is a sensible depth pickup. He’s a good athlete who has ample experience at each of second base, third base and shortstop. He has decent defensive grades at all three spots. Berti topped 100 games for the Marlins in both the 2022 and ’23 seasons. He combined for a .268/.334/.373 batting line with solid strikeout and walk rates. While he has minimal power, he’s an excellent runner. Berti stole 41 bases in 46 attempts back in 2022 and continues to grade highly for his overall baserunning acumen.
The Yankees acquired the righty-hitting infielder from Miami just before last season got underway. Berti would have had an opportunity to push DJ LeMahieu for the third base job had he stayed healthy. That wasn’t to be, as he landed on the injured list with respective groin and calf problems early in the year. The latter — a significant strain of his left calf — shelved him between May and September. Berti was limited to 25 regular season appearances and played four times during New York’s run to the AL pennant. He hit .273 with one extra-base knock (a homer) in 74 plate appearances.
Berti finished the season just shy of six years of big league service. New York could’ve kept him for his final year of arbitration eligibility. They opted not to tender him a contract, which MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected around $3.8MM. He falls shy of that number as a free agent but secures a guaranteed deal and an MLB roster spot. As a player with over five years of service time, he can’t be sent to the minors without his consent. He’ll be on Chicago’s big league team.
It will likely be in a bench role. Dansby Swanson is locked in at shortstop. Nico Hoerner will play second base once he’s healthy. Hoerner is rehabbing from flexor surgery and might start the season on the injured list. That’d leave Berti as the favorite to handle the keystone. Prospect Matt Shaw is expected to get everyday run at third base. He’s coming off a monster year in the upper minors (.284/.379/.488 with 21 homers between Double-A and Triple-A). Shaw has significant offensive upside, but plenty of top prospects have struggled in their first look at major league pitching.
Berti offers insurance for Hoerner’s injury and adds a high-floor fallback at third base if Shaw doesn’t hit the ground running. The acquisition is likely to push at least one of Vidal Bruján or Gage Workman off the roster. Workman is a Rule 5 pick, while Bruján is a former top prospect whom the Cubs acquired from Miami last month. Bruján is out of options and cannot be sent down without clearing waivers. It’s highly unlikely that the Cubs carry each of Berti, Bruján and Workman on the Opening Day roster, especially if Hoerner is healthy.
Berti’s modest base salary pushes the Cubs’ luxury tax number to roughly $200MM, as calculated by RosterResource. They’re still more than $40MM below the tax line and should have ample space for another acquisition. Hoyer has called the bullpen a priority and they’ve been tied to a number of high-leverage relievers on the trade and free agent fronts.
Image courtesy of Imagn.
The Chicago Cubs have made a big move in free agency, as they have reportedly agreed to sign versatile infielder/outfielder Jon Berti to a multi-year contract. Berti, who spent the last few seasons with the Miami Marlins, will bring speed, defense, and a solid bat to the Cubs lineup.With the ability to play multiple positions, Berti will provide much-needed depth and flexibility for the Cubs as they look to compete in a tough NL Central division. Known for his speed on the basepaths and his ability to get on base, Berti will be a valuable addition to the Cubs lineup.
Stay tuned for official confirmation from the team, but it looks like the Cubs have made a smart move in signing Jon Berti. This signing could be a game-changer for the Cubs as they look to make a push for the postseason in the upcoming season.
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Tom Aspinall laughs at Dana White ‘jumping ship’ from Jon Jones in pound-for-pound debate
Interim UFC heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall basked in Dana White’s pivot on the UFC’s pound-for-pound debate.
Tom Aspinall is in active negotiations to face UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones in a title unification bout later this year. While nothing is official as of this writing, both sides are optimistic a deal will be finalized in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Aspinall remains behind Jones and others in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. Jones, who is arguably the greatest UFC fighter of all time, has been UFC CEO Dana White‘s repeated pick for the deserving pound-for-pound No. 1 spot.
White previously attacked anyone with a differing opinion on the pound-for-pound rankings, specifically those who placed Islam Makhachev over Jones for the No. 1 slot. However, White made a big pivot after Makhachev’s dominant win over Renato Moicano to set the UFC lightweight title defense record at UFC 311.
White gave Makhachev the nod as the deserving pound-for-pound king following UFC 311, reversing months of his previous stance. Aspinall, a big supporter of Makhachev, found White’s post-UFC 311 reversal hilarious.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images Tom Aspinall laughs off Dana White ‘jumping ship’ in P4P stance
In a recent upload to his YouTube channel, Aspinall reacted to White’s stunning admission.
“Now we’re seeing Dana White coming out and saying that [Islam] is the pound-for-pound No. 1 in the world, Islam Makhachev!” Aspinall said. “As we all know, to me, pound-for-pound is a lot of made-up stuff. I don’t look into that, but it’s just funny that he’s kind of jumped ship now from Jon Jones to Islam.
“Islam did what he was supposed to do. Went out there, fought whoever was put in front of him, which is what a champion is supposed to do. Got the win and he’s levels above anybody else in that division. He’s going to hold the belt for a long, long time, and that is something that I’m very excited for because I’m a massive Islam Makhachev fan.”
Makhachev, upon finding out about White’s post-fight remarks, was thrilled to have the long-deserved support of the UFC headman. His five UFC lightweight title defenses are the most in promotional history, ahead of Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, and Benson Henderson.
As of this writing, Aspinall sits at No. 8 in the latest UFC pound-for-pound rankings, although that could change following Tuesday’s update. A win over Jones would catapult him up the ladder.
Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is in active negotiations
Aspinall most recently knocked out Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in his lone interim title defense. He avenged an earlier injury stoppage defeat suffered to Blaydes in 2022, earning recent wins over Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich.
Jones made his first UFC heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic in November, winning by TKO at UFC 309. He captured the then-vacant UFC heavyweight championship by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Aspinall and Jones are on a collision course for later in 2025, and their heavyweight fight will be for much more than the lineal belt. After White’s pivot, Aspinall has the chance to join Makhachev atop the pound-for-pound debate.
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In a recent interview, UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall couldn’t help but chuckle at Dana White’s decision to “jump ship” from Jon Jones in the ongoing pound-for-pound debate.Aspinall, who is currently on a four-fight win streak in the UFC, expressed his amusement at White’s sudden change of stance regarding Jones’ status as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“It’s funny how quickly Dana White is willing to change his tune when it comes to Jon Jones,” Aspinall said with a smirk. “One minute he’s the GOAT, the next minute he’s not even in the conversation. It just goes to show how fickle the MMA world can be.”
Aspinall went on to praise Jones for his accomplishments inside the Octagon, but also noted that there are plenty of other fighters who deserve to be recognized as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
“Jon Jones is undeniably one of the greatest fighters of all time, but there are so many other incredible athletes out there who deserve to be in the pound-for-pound discussion,” Aspinall explained. “It’s not just about one fighter anymore – it’s about recognizing the talent and skill of all the fighters who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in MMA.”
Aspinall’s comments are sure to spark further debate among MMA fans and pundits, but one thing is for certain – the pound-for-pound debate is far from over, and there are plenty of fighters who are worthy of consideration.
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