Right-hander Hector Neris will test free agency after declining his player option for the 2024 season, MLB Trade Rumors has learned. Neris passed a postseason physical, which was the final step in turning the Astros’ $8.5MM club option (with a $1MM buyout) for 2024 into a player option. The terms of Neris’ two-year, $17MM deal with Houston allowed that club option to vest into a player option if Neris made at least 110 appearances over the 2022-23 seasons, and the righty easily passed that benchmark with 141 games pitched.
Neris turned 34 back in June, yet doesn’t appear to be slowing down at all, considering that he posted a 1.71 ERA over 68 1/3 innings in 2023. An 11.4% walk rate is a red flag, yet most of Neris’ other metrics were well above average, and he was one of baseball’s best at limiting hard contact. A 3.89 SIERA might be a better reflection of Neris’ 2023 performance given his walk rate and his .219 BABIP, yet in some sense, Neris’ luck was evening out after a 2022 season that saw him post a 3.72 ERA but a 2.70 SIERA.
The combined result is a 2.69 ERA/3.29 SIERA over Neris’ two seasons in an Astros uniform, as well as 56 holds in a setup role in front of closer Ryan Pressly. With Rafael Montero, Phil Maton, and Bryan Abreu also contributing to a strong late-game mix, Neris was routinely called upon to shut down batters in the seventh or eighth inning, with generally impressive results. In addition to his regular-season work, Neris also had a 1.50 ERA over six innings and eight appearances during the 2022 playoffs, helping the Astros win the World Series.
There wasn’t much suspense that Neris would test the market again, as he should be able to land another multi-year deal coming off of this strong performance. The 10-year MLB veteran formerly worked as the Phillies’ closer early in his career, so he might have some extra appeal to a team that could use at least a backup option for save situations, even if Neris is likely going to be targeted as a setup man by most of his suitors. Neris looks to be one of the better options available in a typically crowded bullpen market, and some options are already off the board since the Braves re-signed Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson.
Back to Philly?
They going after Hader IMO
The Phillies could do both.
Look away Phillies nothing to see here.
He will get more on a multi year deal but prob not more avv.
Hoyer needs to check in on this guy.
Been ridden pretty hard in Houston. I would pass.
He’d look great in Dodger blue
We’d appreciate him down south, too.
I could see him locking down saves in SD tbh.
Acts like a jerk screaming at opposing hitters?
Seattle has entered the chat: “Neris is a meanie!”
Crazy lack of sportsmanship in that Seattle moment but I don’t think I’ve seen anything else like that from him.
whyhazee: It’s called emotion. If it’s ok for batters to do bat flips that make baton twirlers jealous &/or standing and “admiring home runs it should be ok for pitchers to do their thing as well.
Lol I love how people always look to be offended.
I doubt the Astros will pursue him especially with the results of the Montero contract.
I don’t think the Montero contract matters. It’s a bad deal, but the team needs good relievers and shouldn’t be afraid of spending 7-10M/year on a late inning RP. Even in the case of Montero, that contract will be off the books in two years. Bad RP contracts aren’t that big of a deal.
“The 10-year MLB veteran formerly worked as the Phillies’ closer early in his career” and tied the club record of blown saves.
He did OK as a set-up man etc but when the pressure is on as a closer he becomes Scare-us Neris
Padres and Angels are looking for bullpen help.
pitchers go to anaheim to die
Resign him Astros probably pay to much but bring him back for 2 years!
2/20M wouldn’t surprise me at all