The Chicago Cubs have announced a roster change that fans will favor. Relief pitcher Héctor Neris has been designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and officially released as of Tuesday morning. With his exit, Jack Neely has been called up to join the bullpen. The Cubs acquired Neely in a trade that sent reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to the New York Yankees.
Neris was signed as a free agent by the Cubs this past offseason. The deal was worth $9 million for 2024 with an option for 2025. Had Neris appeared in 60 games for the Cubs in 2024, his option would have been automatically picked up. In 46 appearances, Neris registered 17 saves with an earned run average of 3.89.
When the bullpen doors in left field opened and “Heart Attack Héctor” came running out, fans knew they were in for an emotional roller coaster. Each appearance was never easy. They always involved multiple base runners and self-inflicted turmoil. Still, Neris technically only blew five saves.
On multiple occasions in different settings, teammates went to bat for Héctor Neris and his impact on the players in the clubhouse. Players, including Jameson Taillon and Nico Hoerner, raved about his veteran presence and leadership qualities. But the results on the field left many outside the clubhouse wondering why he was always an option late in close games.
On Friday of last week against the Toronto Blue Jays, Neris came into the game with a three-run cushion in the ninth inning. He gave up those three runs, allowing the Jays to tie the game. The Cubs were forced to rally to win the game in extra innings.
Neris returned to the field on Sunday afternoon with the team down 1-0 in the ninth inning. He gave up two early hits but still hung on. This would be his last appearance in a Cubs uniform.
The Cubs have a plethora of bullpen arms that could fill the role of closer to the end of the season. Jorge López, Tyson Miller, and Julien Merryweather will all certainly get a look at a pressure situation late in the game. Also, don’t rule out Jack Neely. In six appearances with AAA Iowa, Neely only allowed one run, which was unearned. Héctor Neris is out, and the next man will come up.
