MIAMI — On the same day the Miami Marlins hired Peter Bendix as their new president of baseball operations, the team had on-field business on Monday, as well.
Miami exercised a $3,625,000 option on veteran utility infielder Jon Berti, who would have been owed a $25,000 buyout and eligible for salary arbitration if the option had been declined. Berti hit .258 with seven homers, 33 RBIs and 16 stolen bases last season.
The Marlins declined options on right-handers Johnny Cueto ($10.5 million) and Matt Barnes ($9 million), allowing the pair to become free agents on Monday — the last day to resolve contract options. Cueto gets a $2.5 million buyout and Barnes $2.75 million.
Infielder Josh Bell did not opt out of his contract and will make $16.5 million in 2024. The 31-year-old batted .247 with 22 homers and 75 RBIs for Cleveland and the Marlins, who acquired him on Aug. 1.
Bendix, who had been the Tampa Bay Rays’ senior vice president of baseball operations and general manager, takes over the department previously overseen by Kim Ng.