The Chicago Cubs are getting in on the free agency action again. After bringing in Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga earlier this month, the Cubs made another big move this week by signing reliever Hector Neris to a deal.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Neris will get a one-year, $9 million contract. The agreement includes a $9 million option for 2025, which will get automatically exercised if the 34-year-old player crosses the 60-game mark. Additionally, he will be able to make $5.25 million in incentives across two seasons.
Neris has been on the free agent market longer than expected, considering his 2023 campaign. In 71 relief appearances with the Houston Astros, he had a 6-3 record and 1.71 ERA, the third-best mark in the majors. He also added two saves and 77 strikeouts.
Hector Neris is entering his 11th season in the MLB. He spent his first eight years in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies before a two-year stint with the Astros. Neris was part of the Astros team that won the World Series in 2022.
After signing Imanaga and Neris as their first free-agent acquisitions this offseason, Chicago is expected to keep their eyes on the market. A strong possibility is a reunion with an All-Star center fielder, Cody Bellinger.
