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Report: Héctor Neris Signs with Astros
The all-time leader in strikeouts for a Philadelphia Phillies reliever has reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Houston Astros according to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports.
The deal is guaranteed for $17 million. Heris, a fantastic eighth inning reliever and reserve closer was a pitcher the Phillies wanted to bring back for the 2022 season. Instead, he has signed with the Astros, the team who's scandal in 2017 led to a World Series victory, and will now pitch in the American League.
This will now leave Philadelphia looking to address their bullpen dilemma outside of their stalwart in Heris. The reliever pitched 74.1 innings in 2021 to the tune of a 3.63 ERA and 1.170 WHIP with 12 saves.
Neris was more effective as the setup man than as the closer. However, the Phillies will now not only need to address the closer role but the hole left by Neris.
At first glance, it seems like an overpay by Houston, but with the pitching market the way it has shaken out this offseason, nothing has come as a surprise.
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