Yankees eye elite reliever to bolster bullpen, face competition from Rangers
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Inna Zeyger - January 14, 2024
- 9:46 am
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Follow UsAfter failing to secure flamethrower Jordan Hicks, reports indicate that the New York Yankees are on the verge of adding another bullpen asset: seasoned right-hander Hector Neris. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Yankees and Texas Rangers are currently leading the race to acquire Neris.
Coming off an outstanding season with the Houston Astros, where he posted an impressive 1.71 ERA across 71 appearances, the 34-year-old Hector Neris, now a free agent after a one-year deal with the Astros in 2022, holds the potential to significantly enhance the Yankees’ bullpen.
Hector Neris will be a prized gift for Yankees
Hector Neris has established himself as one of the league’s premier relievers over his nine-year career, boasting a 3.24 ERA and an impressive 129 ERA+. With a striking average of 11.2 batters per nine innings, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess. Notably, he improved his ERA from 3.42 with the Phillies to 2.69 during his stint with the Astros.
Beyond his regular-season success, Hector Neris brings valuable playoff experience, having reached the postseason in the last two years with Houston. This seasoned presence could prove invaluable for the Yankees’ bullpen, which is currently in need of reinforcements.
While details about contract offers remain undisclosed, the Yankees‘ reported frontrunner status indicates a genuine interest in securing Hector Neris and adding his dependable arm to the Bronx bullpen.
The Yankees, after making a significant move with the Juan Soto acquisition, are aiming for an all-in push in 2024. While their star-studded lineup, featuring Soto and Aaron Judge, and a Cy Young-caliber rotation led by Gerrit Cole, are formidable, the competitive AL East demands additional firepower. With Baltimore’s and Toronto’s young cores, coupled with consistent threats from Tampa Bay and Boston, every possible advantage is crucial. The addition of Hector Neris could provide the necessary boost to propel the Yankees back to the postseason after their absence in 2023.
Despite leading the league in bullpen ERA in 2023 with an impressive 3.34, the New York Yankees are unexpectedly in the running for experienced reliever Hector Neris. The departure of Michael King to the Padres in the Juan Soto trade creates a gap, but the Bronx bullpen remains formidable, featuring high-leverage options like Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Tommy Kahnle, supported by a reliable cast including Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross, and Victor Gonzalez. Despite this depth, investing resources in the bullpen may raise eyebrows, especially with lingering rotation concerns despite the addition of Marcus Stroman.
Yankees and Rangers both chase bullpen ace
Hector Neris is becoming a sought-after free agent, with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reporting a lively market where the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are emerging as primary contenders. Neris’s exceptional 2023 performance with the Houston Astros, marked by a career-best 1.71 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 71 appearances, is fueling the competitive interest.
As the 34-year-old enters his 11th season, he already boasts a solid career ERA of 3.24 and a World Series ring from 2022. His two-year tenure with the Astros revitalized his career, lowering his ERA from 3.42 with the Phillies to 2.69 in Houston. This resurgence, coupled with his standing as one of the top available right-handed relievers, positions Hector Neris as a coveted asset for both the Rangers and the Yankees.
For the Rangers, defending World Series champions with a robust core and pitching staff, adding Hector Neris would fortify their bullpen and enhance their pursuit of the AL West title. Securing another division title since 2016 and making a championship run becomes even more achievable with the addition of a reliable arm like Hector Neris.
SNY’s Andy Martino confirms the Yankees’ persistent pursuit of bullpen enhancements. A potential reunion with left-hander Wandy Peralta, who delivered a solid 2.83 ERA in 54 innings last season (despite a higher FIP), is on the horizon. Moreover, their strong interest in Jordan Hicks, before his decision to pursue a starting role in San Francisco, emphasizes their commitment to fortifying the bullpen.
Considering that costly free agents like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery may be beyond their financial reach, and expensive trade options like Dylan Cease exceeding budget constraints, GM Brian Cashman appears to be shifting focus to the bullpen as an alternative avenue for strengthening the pitching staff. This adjustment follows his earlier endeavors to prioritize upgrades to the rotation throughout the offseason.
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