Report: Héctor Neris Signs with Astros

Philadelphia Phillies all-time strikeout leader for relievers Héctor Neris has signed a two-year deal with the Houston Astros.

Kade Kistner | Nov 27, 2021

Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

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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Published Nov 27, 2021

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.