The Yankees' bullpen pitching options continue to dwindle for the 2024 season, as Hector Neris signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Cubs. Confirmed by Jon Heyman of the Post. Saturday.
ESPN report Neris' contract has a team option for 2025, but it becomes a player option after he plays 60 games.
Heyman said the Yankees have spoken with Nellis as well as fellow relievers Wandy Peralta, Phil Mayton and Ryan Brazier.
Neris, 34, spent the past two seasons with the Astros as a setup man behind Ryan Pressley, won the World Series in 2022 and posted a career-best 1.71 ERA as Houston re-entered the ALCS last year. did.
He signed with the Phillies in 2010, made his MLB debut four years later, and played in a career-high 79 games in 2016.
Now, Neris joins a Cubs team that narrowly missed the playoffs last season, hired manager Craig Counsell and signed Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga to strengthen its starting rotation.
But Nellis' free agency decision makes it more difficult for other teams, including the Yankees, to improve their bullpens after closer Josh Hader signed a record contract for a reliever with the Astros. .
