(670 The Score) Reliever Hector Neris has agreed to a one-year, $9-million deal with the Cubs, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Saturday morning.
The contract also includes an option for the 2025 season. It’s currently a $9-millon team option, but it will convert to a player option if the 34-year-old Neris appears in 60 games in 2024, Passan reported. Neris could make up to $23.25 million across two seasons if he hits all his incentives, according to the report.
Neris had a great 2023 season for the Astros, posting a 1.71 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 71 appearances. He struck out 77 batters and walked 31 across 68 1/3 innings.
The addition of Neris comes a day after the Cubs added a familiar face to their bullpen mix. Reliever Carl Edwards Jr. agreed to a minor league deal with the Cubs, according to multiple reports Friday. He previously pitched for the Cubs from 2015-’19 and was a key reliever on the Cubs' 2016 team that won the World Series.
Edwards had a 3.69 ERA in 32 appearances for the Nationals in 2023. He'll join the Cubs in spring training as a non-roster invitee.