The Chicago Cubs recently announced the signing of relief pitcher Hector Neris.
The former Philadelphia Phillie and Houston Astro had the season of his life in 2023, with a 1.71 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 68.1 innings.
That season earned him a nice payday.
MLB insider Jon Heyman explained some details of Neris’ deal with the Cubs.
“Hector Neris, Cubs: $9M/1 plus option. $9M – 2024. Club option 2025: $9M. Option becomes Player option if (a) 60g pitched or 45gf in 2024 AND (b) Player is not on IL final game in 2024 AND (c) Player is determined to not have a non-temporary impairment. Plus incentives,” Heyman tweeted.
Hector Neris, Cubs
$9M/1 plus option$9M – 2024
Club option 2025 $9M
Option becomes Player option if (a) 60g pitched or 45gf in 2024 AND (b) Player is not on IL final game in 2024 AND (c) Player is determined to not have a non-temporary impairment
Plus incentives
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 1, 2024
Neris will earn $9 million for the 2024 campaign.
There is a club option for the same amount of money in 2025, but he can turn it into a player option if he meets certain benchmarks and doesn’t finish the year injured.
Overall, it’s a nice contract for him given his age.
He is 34 years old and his best years are probably behind him.
Still, he is still good enough to be one of the Cubs’ most reliable late-inning relievers.
They needed an arm like his to navigate the toughest innings of crucial games.
Now that he is on board, the next item on the agenda is bringing in another quality hitter.
In reality, bringing back Cody Bellinger might be their best option at this point.
He provides power, speed, on-base ability, contact, and good defense in center field.
If they manage to re-sign Bellinger, or another top hitter instead of him, the Cubs will be very dangerous.
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