Hector Neris Declines Player Option With Astro

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Right-hander will test free agency after declining his player option for the 2024 season, MLB Trade Rumors has learned. Neris pa sed a postseason physical, which was the final step in turning the Astros $8.5MM club option (with a $1MM buyout) for 2024 into a player option. The terms of Neris two-year, $17MM deal with Houston allowed that club option to vest into a player option if Neris made at least 110 appearances over the 2022-23 seasons, and the righty easily pa sed that benchmark with 141 games pitched. Neris turned 34 back in June, yet doesnt appear to be slowing down at all, considering that he posted a 1.71 ERA over 68 1/3 innings in 2023. An 11.4% walk rate is a red flag, yet most of Neris were well above average, and he was one of baseballs best at limiting hard contact. A 3.89 SIERA might be a better reflection of Neris 2023 performance given his walk rate and his .219 BABIP, yet in some sense, Neris luck was evening Gary Payton II Jersey out after a 2022 season that saw him post a 3.72 ERA but a 2.70 SIERA. The combined result is a 2.69 ERA/3.29 SIERA over Neris two seasons in an Astros uniform, as well as 56 holds in a setup role in front of closer . With , , and also contributing to a strong late-game mix, Neris was routinely called upon to shut down batters in the seventh or eighth inning, with generally impre sive results. In addition to his regular-season work, Neris also had a 1.50 ERA over six innings and eight appearances during the 2022 playoffs, helping the Astros win the World Series. There wasnt much suspense that Neris would test the market again, as he should be able to land another multi-year deal coming off of this strong performance. The 10-year MLB veteran formerly worked as the Phillies closer early in his career, so he might have some extra appeal to a team that could use at least a backup option for save situations, even if Neris is likely going to be targeted as a setup man by most of his suitors. Neris looks to be one of the better options available in a typically crowded , and some options are already off the board since the Braves re-signed and . Johnathan Williams Jersey