Yankees Could Bolster Bullpen By Adding Ex-Astros High-Leverage Hurler
The New York Yankees could use another arm or two to help in the bullpen. New York had the best bullpen in baseball last year but still needs to add at least one high-leverage reliever this offseason. One hurler who could be an option for the Yankees reportedly is former Houston Astros stud Héctor Neris. according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. “Héctor Neris is a durable and dependable reliever who remains in the marketplace,” Sherman said. “If he could be had for a good one- or two-year deal, the (New York Mets) and maybe even the Yankees should consider him. For the Mets, he likely would be the eighth-inning setup man while offering some closer insurance for Diaz.
“In all but one season of his career (2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies), Neris posted an ERA-plus of league average or better. When it comes to sturdiness, he particularly stands out, pitching in 70 games in each of his past three seasons and five times in his career. No pitcher has appeared in more games over the last five seasons (307) than Neris, who turns 35 in June.” The 34-year-old impressed last season with the Astros. He made 71 appearances last season with Houston and logged an eye-popping 1.71 ERA and a 77-to-31 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
He’s a 10-year veteran with a career 3.24 ERA after spending time with the Astros and Philadelphia Phillies. It’s unclear what a contract could look like, but if the Yankees want to improve their bullpen, they should at least take a look into signing Neris.
