Cubs reportedly release former Phillie Héctor Neris

Former Phillie Héctor Neris is back on the open market.

Neris was designated for assignment, cleared waivers and released by the Chicago Cubs, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

Neris, 35, posted a 3.89 ERA in 46 appearances with the Cubs in 2024. He had a vesting option for 2025 worth $9 million that would have become a player option if he had reached either 60 appearances or 45 games finished. That likely was the driving force behind the Cubs cutting bait.

Of Neris’ 46 appearances with Chicago, 38 have come in the ninth inning. He is 20-for-25 in save situations this season.

Could he be a good fit for the Phillies? It’s a fair question to wonder considering the bullpen’s recent struggles. His 3.89 ERA suggests that he’s not having a terrible season, but some of the underlying numbers are concerning. His strikeout rate is a career-low 23.5% and his walk rate is a career-high 13.3%.

At least with Neris, you know what you’re going to get. He’s been one of the most durable relievers since he began his career with the Phillies in 2014, but with that comes more chances to pitch later in games and inevitably — more chances to blow games. Whether it’s fair or not, people in this town tend to associate Neris with his lowest moments.

His recent track record, however, should help him land another job for a contender. He’s a year removed from posting a 1.71 ERA with the Houston Astros in 2023. He allowed only one run in eight games, including three against the Phillies in the World Series, in the 2022 postseason.

He’ll likely sign with another team before Sept. 1, which is the deadline for players to be added to the roster in order to be eligible for the postseason.

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