The Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher agree to a one-year, $9 million contract for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. The deal includes an option for 2025, which converts to a player option after 60 games. The Dominican pitcher can earn up to $23.25 million if he hits all incentives.
Neris had an impressive 1.71 earned run average in 71 games for the Houston Astros last season. He finished with a 6-3 record and made two saves in 68.1 innings. He struck out 77 batters and surrendered 41 hits.
The Cubs and Hector Neris are in agreement on a 1-year, $9M deal, per multiple reports pic.twitter.com/CvlwFcEqYB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 27, 2024
In his first year with the Astros, Neris went 6-4 with a 3.72 ERA in 70 games. He tallied 79 strikeouts in 65.1 innings, helping Houston win the World Series. Neris was also a part of the group of pitchers that collaborated on a no-hitter in July 2022.
Neris joined the Astros after playing eight MLB seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He made his MLB debut in 2014, winning his only appearance that year.
His success mainly relies on the accuracy of his four pitches. He has a four-seam fastball that averages 94 miles per hour and a sinker that could go up to 95 mph. His slider can clock in at 88 mph, while his splitter averages 84 miles per hour.
Hector Neris joins Julian Merryweather, Adbert Alzolay, Drew Smyly, Yency Almonte, Daniel Palencia, and Luke Little as Cubs relief pitchers.
-Lance Fernandez