It didn’t take long for former Philadelphia Phillies closer Héctor Neris to find a new team after being released by the Chicago Cubs earlier this week. Neris has signed with a familiar postseason adversary, the Houston Astros, as first reported by Ari Alexander of KPRC2 Houston. Returning to Houston, where he has had significant success in his career, marks a reunion with the team where he enjoyed his most productive season and won his only World Series title.
Neris had his best season with the Astros just last year and is now back with the team where he achieved his World Series victory in 2022 against the Phillies. During that Series, Neris delivered three scoreless appearances. As he re-joins Houston, he brings with him a solid track record: a 2.69 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 156 strikeouts in 133 2/3 innings over two seasons with the Astros. He will aim to replicate his previous success and contribute to another championship run.
This season with the Cubs, Neris faced some challenges and never fully settled into his new environment, resulting in a mixed performance. He recorded an 8-4 record with 17 saves, a 3.89 ERA, and 46 strikeouts in 44 innings. However, his command issues led to a high number of walks and a 1.52 WHIP, reflecting struggles that contributed to his departure from Chicago.
Neris previously spent eight seasons with the Phillies from 2014 to 2021, with a 3.42 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 520 strikeouts in 407 2/3 innings, including a career-high 28 saves in 2019. While the Phillies had the chance to bring Neris back to strengthen their bullpen, they opted not to. If the Phillies face the Astros again in the World Series, the decision not to re-sign Neris could be a critical one.
