Cubs Release Hector Neris

The Chicago Cubs made a somewhat surprising roster move on Tuesday before beginning their series with the Detroit Tigers.

It was announced by ESPN's Jesse Rogers that reliever Hector Nerris has been designated for assignment and has already been sent through waivers. The team has yet to make a formal announcement but is expected to release him. The team signed Neris this offseason for a one year, $9 million dollar contract.

The Cubs former closer had a 3.89 ERA across 46 appearances this season. He recorded 46 strikeouts and 26 walks across 42 innings of work and had 17 saves on 22 opportunities. His WHIP made a wrong jump compared to last season increasing to 1.71, his career high for a full season (excluding 2020).

The roster move also comes with strategic timing for Cubs as they released Neris just 14 appearances shy of triggering a $9 million vesting option for 2025. Now that he is released, that option with disappear and he will be off the books for the Cubs after the season.

Jack Neely who was acquired from the New York Yankees in the Mark Leiter Jr. trade is being called up to take his place. Neely is the 18th ranked prospect in the Cubs organization according to MLB Pipeline. In the minors this season he has recorded a 2.42 ERA and picked up 76 strikeouts and only 17 walks across 48.1 innings of work.

The Cubs will begin a three game series at home against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. The first pitch for the series opener at Wrigley Field is scheduled for 8:05 PM EST.