The Chicago Cubs made some significant moves this offseason but one that could really payoff is the one they made to bolster their bullpen.
During the 2023 MLB season, the Cubs bullpen was the unit that was the shakiest to start the season and ended up costing Chicago multiple games.
In order to address those concerns the front office went out and signed veteran reliever Hector Neris to a one-year, $9 million deal. A fair offer for a 35-year-old who is a proven commodity and still has plenty left in the tank.
He is slated to earn plenty of save opportunities this season even though manager Craig Counsell has said there will be no defined roles in the bullpen to begin the 2024 MLB season.
As good as he is on the mound, Neris is showing he is just as great off of it. This past week Neris took 70 Latino minor leaguers out to a local Dominican restaurant and picked up the entire tab according to USA Today.
It is an incredible gesture as minor leaguers have well documented struggles in fighting for adequate pay while taking on long hours and getting just $625 a week while at spring training.
Neris should be an incredible addition to Chicago's clubhouse as a leader and as a player.
During the 2023 MLB season Neris compiled a stellar 1.71 ERA with a 1.054 WHIP with the Houston Astros. He also proved he can be a closer while with the Philadelphia Phillies picking up 45 saves from the 2019-21 MLB seasons.
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