The Phillies Should Prioritize Re-Signing Neris This Offseason

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Héctor Neris is a free agent following this season, and it's imperative that the club chooses to bring him back

© Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Héctor Neris is quickly approaching the end of a one-year/$5 million contract he signed with the club in Dec. 2020, and it would be foolish of the front office to not bring him back for 2022.

Despite struggles in the closer's role early on in 2021, Neris has absolutely shined for the Phillies in relief this year. 

Since then, he's found his groove as a set-up man for the team and generated spectacular results in the role.

In 38 games since being demoted from closer on June 26, he's posted a 3.40 ERA, 53 Ks, 14 BBs, and an opponent's slash line of .199/.267/.370 in 39.2 IP.

Neris has relied primarily on four pitches: Splitter (41.3%), four-seam fastball (37.8%), sinker (17.3%), and slider (3.5%). The movement on his splitter has been absolutely filthy this season, and has induced a whiff percentage of 45%. Along with his sinker and slider, that have produced a 31.9% and 30%, respectively.

© Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Overall, Héctor the Protector has dazzled in middle relief, consistently keeping Philadelphia in games and picking up big strikeouts when needed. He has collected 11 holds this season.

Whether some fans choose to acknowledge it or not, Neris has quietly created a legacy during his time with the Phillies, and will likely go down as one of the best relievers in franchise history.

He is currently fourth all-time in games in relief with 400, behind Ron Reed (449), Tug McGraw (460), and Ryan Madson (473), and seventh in innings in relief. 

Neris is also dangerously close to becoming the Phillies all-time strikeouts in relief leader. He is only 11 Ks away from surpassing Ron Reed (519) for the accolade.

As trades are not much of a viable option for the Phils because of their lackluster farm system, and the club shies away from going over the luxury tax to acquire a big bullpen arm, the options there are minimal. 

For these reasons and more, it would be unwise of the Phillies to not re-sign Neris this winter. Of the three soon-to-be free agent relievers, Neris, Archie Bradley, and Ian Kennedy, bringing back Neris should be on the top of their list.

After all, the team needs Héctor.

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