Right-hander Héctor Neris and the Chicago Cubs have agreed on a one-year deal worth $9 million for the 2024 season. Neris, entering his 11th season in 2024, departs the Houston Astros after two years with the ball club. The Cubs, meanwhile, have made their second off-season signing. Neris joins Shota Imanaga as the only two free agents signed by the Cubs.
Héctor Neris
Hector Neris made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on August 5, 2014. He pitched one inning against the Houston Astros, marking the start of his career. Neris has now spanned 10 seasons, eight of which he spent in Philadelphia and two in Houston. During his time with the Phillies organization, he solidified himself as a serviceable reliever. He posted a 3.39 ERA, 3.79 FIP, and 1.201 WHIP in eight years. Neris joined the Astros in 2022 on a two-year, $17 million deal.
Neris’ time in Houston was very beneficial for both teams. Although he posted a 3.72 ERA in the 2022 regular season, his postseason run helped the Astros win the World Series. Hector Neris pitched six innings and gave up two hits and one home run against Harrison Bader in the ALCS. In 2023, Neris had an impressive regular season, posting a 1.71 ERA, 3.83 FIP and 1.054 WHIP. In the postseason, he pitched eight innings and gave up six earned runs and three home runs. His big regular season was enough for the 34-year-old to ink a one-year deal.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs’ bullpen has been upgraded with the addition of Hector Neris, who looks to repeat his 2023 regular season. In 2023, the Cubs’ bullpen ranked 13th in ERA (3.85), tied fifth in home runs allowed (64), and seventh in strikeouts (641). The Cubs look to keep the bullpen above league average by signing a veteran reliever. The Cubs’ most significant contributors to the bullpen were Adbert Alzolay, Julian Merryweather, Michael Fulmer, Mark Leiter Jr., and Michael Rucker. The addition of Héctor Neris will look to help the Cubs go back into the postseason after a heartbreaking fall at the end of the 2023 season.
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Chicago Cubs
