He’s back.
The Astros are signing right-handed reliever Hector Neris, a league source tells KPRC 2. Neris opted out of his deal with Houston this offseason, before signing a 2-year, $17 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.
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The Astros will pay Neris a prorated league minimum for the rest of the season, which will relieve the Cubs of a small portion of the $9 million they owe him for 2024.
Source: Hector Neris is signing with the #Astros.
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) August 22, 2024
He’s back. pic.twitter.com/Rl2xDAnuWS
Neris spent much of the season as the Cubs’ closer, a role that was not what Chicago envisioned when they signed him this offseason. He recorded 17 saves, but pitched to a 3.89 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP for Chicago. His predictive metrics showed some areas of struggle, with a spiked hit rate and walk rate, and a lowered strikeout rate.
The Cubs released Neris Tuesday, allowing the reliever to sign with the team of his choosing. Neris chose Houston, a place where he was a clubhouse leader among pitchers the past two seasons. Neris was an integral part of the 2022 World Series Champion team, pitching 6 innings in relief, while only allowing one run.
The Astros will need to clear a space on the 40-man roster once Neris passes a physical and the details are finalized.
Neris has 106 career saves in his 11-year career with Philadelphia, Houston and Chicago.