Former Philadelphia Phillies Reliever Has Market Heating Up in Free Agency
As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to monitor the free agency market to potentially make their own upgrades before the 2024 season begins, one of their former players is drawing interest from others around the league.
There was some thought that a potential reunion could be coming between the Phillies and Hector Neris, who spent eight years with the organization, but it doesn't seem like that's the case according to a new report.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com said the market is heating up for Neris with the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers "emerging as potential frontrunners" to sign the right-hander this offseason.
The 34-year-old declined his $8.5 million player option with the Houston Astros this offseason to hit free agency after two seasons there and becoming one of the best bullpen pieces in the league.
He left Philadelphia following the 2021 season and posted an ERA of 2.69 with the Astros.
Last year was the star righty's best of his career, finishing with a 1.71 ERA and a ridiculous ERA+ of 246 across 71 appearances and 68 1/3 innings pitched.
Both the Yankees and Rangers are in desperate need of relievers this offseason and could make aggressive offers to ensure he winds up on one of their teams.
Although Feinsand didn't explicitly mention the Phillies in his report, that doesn't mean they aren't in contact with Neris about a possible reunion.
What's unknown is how much money he is looking for after turn declining his option to hit the open market. For someone with his production, something around the $10 million annual average value mark seems likely.
Whether Philadelphia would be interested in handing out a contract of that amount to one player with their payroll so high already is to be seen, but they are still looking for bullpen options.
If they are interested in a reunion, there seems to be some heavy competition.
