So how much did the Houston Astros save by allowing reliever Hector Neris? Or, perhaps more importantly, how much did letting Neris walk help fund their deal with Josh Hader?
Neris signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs this weekend. Neris spent two seasons with the Astros, including their 2022 World Series team.
The details of Neris’ contract are now emerging, per The Athletic. The reported part of the deal was a one-year contract with an option. In 2024 Neris will make $9 million. In 2025 the Cubs hold a team option worth $9 million.
But there is a twist. If Neris makes 60 or more appearances with the Cubs in 2024, he can convert the team option into a player option worth $9 million in 2025.
The Astros know he’s probably good for it. In each of his two seasons with Houston, Neris made more than 70 appearances. In fact, in his Major League career as both a closer and set-up man he’s been a workhorse. He’s cleared at least 60 appearances in six different seasons.
There’s a good chance that Neris could be in Chicago for two seasons, especially if he performs to last year’s quality — a 6-3 record with a 1.71 ERA.
Neris likely wasn’t coming back to Houston regardless of whether the Astros signed Hader or not. The Astros allowed three of its top set-up men to explore free agency. Neris is the first to sign. The other two — Ryne Stanek and Phil Maton — are still looking for deals.
Looking at what Neris got and what the Astros gave Hader, which was $19 million per year, the Astros probably feel good. They traded in a reliever entering his age 35 season in Neris for a young closer who may be the best in the game and only spent $10 million more than Chicago did on Neris.
That also doesn’t factor in what Maton and Stanek will eventually get.
The Neris deal is a good one for the Cubs. It also makes the Astros’ all-in move to get Hader look a little better contractually.
More must-reads: