The Chicago Cubs have added to their bullpen in a big way by signing top remaining relief pitcher Hector Neris to a 1 year contract Saturday.
The deal, which will sport a $9M guaranteed value, includes a team option for 2025 at an additional $9M according to reports. If however Neris is able to reach 60 games, then the team option becomes a player option for the 2nd year. Neris has previously hit the 60 game figure in 6 of his last 7 full seasons, making it well within reach. The pact also features multiple performance bonuses, and could be worth as much as $23.5M over two years if the 34 year old is able to achieve all his incentives.
Neris is coming off one of his best years at the MLB level posting a 1.71 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 77 K’s across 68.1 IP. The 6’2″ hurler has been a reliable bridge to the 9th inning for Houston the last two seasons, and brings previous closing experience from his time with Philadelphia to the table as well.
The Cubs bullpen was mediocre at best in 2023, regularly turning in uneven performances throughout the year. Despite that, Chicago still managed to finish with an 83-79 record, 1 game back of the final NL wildcard spot.
The Cubs managed to squeeze out above average performances from Adbert Alzolay, Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr., but were clearly intent on reshaping their pitching staff in the offseason. Neris’ signing comes shortly after the club agreed to terms with LHP Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, while simultaneously choosing to move on from mercurial starter Marcus Stroman. Reliever Michael Fulmer is projected to miss the entirety of the 2024 season after going UCL revision surgery on his right elbow, so it’s unlikely that Chicago is done tinkering with their bullpen as spring training approaches.
Both Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman have been linked to the Cubs throughout the offseason, as the front office has taken a measured approach to their free agent negotiations thus far. Multiple Chicago players have expressed their desire to reunite with Bellinger in 2024, and the latest rumblings from the slugger’s camp seem to indicate the feeling is mutual.
Nevertheless, Chicago’s addition of a proven veteran reliever such as Neris will go a long way towards shoring up their late inning woes from 2023.
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