Former Phillie Hector Neris was DFA’d by the Chicago Cubs earlier this week. Neris, now 35 years old, has pitched to a 3.89 ERA in 46 games with Chicago this season before clearing waivers and subsequently released for the Cubs 18th overall prospect. Neris left Philadelphia in free agency for the Houston Astros where he would beat his former club in the 2023 World Series. In light of the Phillies recent bullpen struggles, does it make sense to bring back the former closer?
The answer is clearly yes. The issue with Neris’ in Philadelphia was the high leverage innings. Neris isn’t the typical closer and does not have typical closer stuff. It was clear very early in a Hector Neris outing what you were getting. Most nights it was the devastating splitter with a ton of tumble but some nights it was the sinker that had little to no movement which would result in a lot of hard contact. It always seemed as if Neris was walking a tightrope which is not at all something you want in a closer.The veteran right hander could fill the Yunior Marte or Max Lazard role as a low leverage right handed option but with plenty of experience. If you replace Marte, Lazard or Jose Ruiz with a pitcher of Neris’ caliber, it makes the bullpen that much longer.While Neris’ tenure in Philadelphia was certainly a rollercoaster, it was overall a success. He pitched to a 3.44 ERA and is currently 8th in Phillies franchise history in Saves. By all accounts Neris seems to be very well-liked by players, staff, and media. It’s very likely there would be mutual interest in a reunion, so why not take a chance?
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