Los Angeles Angels Come to MiLB Agreement with World Champion Reliever

Hector Neris started the season with the Atlanta Braves but ended up making just two appearances.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) reacts after a run scores on a balk call during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park in 2024. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

World champion reliever Hector Neris has agreed to a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels, according to Robert Murray of Fansided.

Free-agent reliever Hector Neris and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a minor-league contract, according to the teams transactions page.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 17, 2025

Neris, 35, is a 12-year veteran of the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. He made just two appearances for Atlanta this season, going 0-1 with a 45.00 ERA. He allowed five earned runs in just one official inning.

He's been much better throughout his career, going 43-42 with a 3.40 ERA. He helped the Astros win the World Series in 2022 and then pitched to a 1.71 ERA in 2023 with them. He produced a 2.6 WAR that year - the best of his career. He's appeared in the playoffs in three different seasons of his career (2022-2024), all with the Astros. It's unclear if he'll report right to the Angels or need a stint in the minors.

The Angels enter play on Thursday at 9-8 overall and in second place in the American League West. They'll be in action on Thursday at the division-rival Texas Rangers, who are 11-7 and in first place in the division.

Youngster Jack Kochanowicz will take the ball for the Halos while top prospect Kumar Rocker will pitch for the Rangers.

Rocker has struggled mightily in the early going and just took the loss against the Seattle Mariners over the weekend. He's 0-2 with a 7.94 ERA. Kochanowicz is 1-1 with a 5.74.

Los Angeles will be back in action on Friday night when they host the San Francisco Giants. The Angels have not announced a starter yet but the Giants will go with Logan Webb.

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