The Cubs fortified their bullpen already this winter when Chicago picked up Yency Almonte in a deal with the Dodgers. On January 27, the Cubs reportedly added Hector Neris, a World Series champion with closing experience and a dominant splitter.
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A Look at Neris
Former Phillies closer Hector Neris was an enigma at times in Philadelphia. But when he was on, Neris was a formidable ninth-inning option. But with Houston, Neris didn’t close but did log big innings in the Space City.
Across two seasons with Houston, the 2022 World Series champion posted a 2.69 ERA/3.10 FIP with 156 strikeouts over 133.2 IP in the regular season. The 34-year-old logged key innings during the ALCS last fall and gave up just one run over six postseason innings in 2022.
Neris only got five saves in those two seasons, as Ryan Pressly was the primary closer in Houston.
The two keys to Neris’ arsenal are his low-to-mid-90s fastball and a devastating split-change.
While Neris doesn’t have overpowering velocity on the fastball, the veteran reliever used it more in 2023 (51.7%) than he did in his entire career. That can be attributed to two seasons. One, it’s a pitch that plays off the splitter so well, as the two pitches differ in speed by about 10 MPH.
But on top of that, it’s a fastball with good carry (17.7” of IVB last year).
Then there’s the aforementioned splitter, a pitch that’s nearly unhittable when commanded well. Neris will use the pitch, which can start in the zone before dropping down hard, against both lefties and righties.
Neris played a key role in Houston’s success over the past two seasons, as he helped fill out a deep bullpen that also included Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryne Stanek. Now, he’ll look to work his magic again in the NL.
Per ESPN, Hector Neris will receive a one-year, $9MM deal with the Cubs that comes with an option.
Analysis
There was some chatter that Neris — one of the best relievers available this winter —wanted a $50MM deal during what’s been a somewhat cold winter for free agents. However, the ex-Astro instead took virtually a one-year deal with the Cubs team that could use the bullpen help.
Last season, the Cubs added veterans Brad Boxberger and Michael Fulmer to ride the ship in the bullpen. Unfortunately, the duo didn’t meet expectations. Instead, the duo of Mark Leiter Jr. and likely incumbent closer Adbert Alzolay proved to be quite reliable for the Cubs.
Those two, along with Julian Merryweather, were solid for the Cubs. And, all three are back for 2024. However, the addition of Neris should give the Cubs a reliable late-inning weapon with experience, and one that will likely be leaned upon in the later innings.
While the Cubs bullpen — which was not the issue in September, as Chicago relievers ranked at or the top ten in ERA (11th-3.56) and SIERA (6th-3.78) that month (h/t Fangraphs) — wasn’t weak on paper, the reality is that the Reds, Cardinals, and Brewers will likely be thorns in the Cubs’ side.
Thus, the additional bullpen help should be welcome.