Relief pitcher Héctor Neris is signing a one-year, $9 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Neris also has a 2025 club option, which converts to a player option if he appears in 60 games during the 2024 season.

Neris, 34, is coming off his best major league season in his 10-year career. In 2023, he pitched to a 1.71 ERA in 71 appearances and converted two saves for the Houston Astros. Neris, a late-game relief pitcher, appeared in the seventh inning or later in most of his games for Houston last season.

A 10-year MLB veteran, Neris made his debut with the Philadelphia Phllies on Aug. 5, 2014 — his only game of the season. He appeared in 32 games for the Phillies as a middle reliever for the 2015 season — the last season in which he didn’t contribute a save for a MLB club.

Neris has experience as a closer. He contributed 20+ saves for Philadelphia in both 2017 and 2019, but has primarily been utilized as a late-game reliever with the Phillies and Astros. Chicago closer Adbert Alzolay emerged as a top-end closer during the 2023 campaign, and Neris boosts the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen in a multitude of ways.

Neris has been remarkably reliable over the past three seasons. He has pitched in 70+ games every season since 2021, while averaging 11.0K/9.

The signing allows Chicago and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to make more moves during the off-season. 

The Cubs signed Japanese starting pitcher Shōta Imanaga to a four-year, $53 million deal earlier in January. Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher, will play a huge role in the starting rotation in 2024 and beyond.

Additionally, Chicago traded with the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Michael Busch, a top-50 prospect, and 29-year-old right-hander Yency Almonte, for Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope. Busch, a former first-round pick, couldn’t find consistent playing time behind Los Angeles’ plethora of infield talent, but has the opportunity to make an impact in Chicago.

The most dire need for the Cubs is to make a free agency splash for a powerful left-handed bat. A free agent from the 2023 roster still makes the most sense.

Cody Bellinger rekindled his career at Wrigley Field last season. The 28-year-old former MVP hit 26 home runs for Chicago in 2023. Bellinger’s play earned him his second career Silver Slugger Award. He opted out of his contract following the season, and many teams have been interested in his services.

The 2024 off-season has moved slower than most, and the 2019 National League Most Valuable Player remains teamless one month before spring training begins. 

If Chicago lands Bellinger again, it makes the National League Central that much more competitive. The Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers will be battling for the 2024 NL Central crown.

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