Hector Neris Signs with Cubs, Yankees Bullpen Hopes Down to 2 Names

The New York Yankees just can’t find any relief….Literally! For weeks they have been looking for a relief pitcher and have been linked with many, but things just aren’t clicking for the Pinstripes. Now one of their biggest links Hector Neris has signed with the Chicago Cubs and suddenly, things look bleak for the Bombers. The biggest issue? The Neris deal wasn’t even that expensive! 

But the trauma the Yankees felt last year because of the terrible performance from a $162 million Carlos Rodon has made them hesitant. The question, however, is that are the Bronx Squad willing to let trauma overpower their genuine need for a pitcher. They need to find an answer soon because not many options remain in the market now.

New York Yankees must dig deep for a pitcher 

Hector Neris is coming off of a remarkable season with the Houston Astros. With 71 games played and a 1.71 ERA, Neris was one of the premium relievers of 2023. This increased his price but as Jon Heyman from the New York Post wrote – “They (Yankees) are alleged to be making low offers.” So now Neris has signed with the Cubs for 1 year $9 million contract with an option for another. 

On one side, that’s right in line with Neris’ reported demand of a deal between $7 to $10 million. On the flip side, this is quite low. It’s low enough that the Yankees could’ve added him, without it resulting in much pressure on their payroll. But clearly, the Pinstripes see things differently. Focusing more on the development of their prospects, the Yankees do not want to spend big. But this has brought us to a new issue – ‘a limited relief market’. 

Out of the original four links of the Yankees, Josh Hader and Neris have already signed a deal. That leaves only two players in the market – Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton. Incidentally, both are former Yankees who are looking for a reunion with the Bronx Side. Out of the two, Middleton would certainly have a much lower cost than Peralta. But Peralta fills one very important need of the Pinstripes – a lefty in their bullpen! 

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Why both Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton have a strong case

Out of eleven pitchers in the Yankees bullpen, only three are left-handed. In the entire pitching staff, there are only five lefties. So there is a desperate need for a lefty in that roster and this is where Peralta comes into the picture. Despite a slight decline, Peralta still recorded a 2.83 ERA. With costs that could be cheaper than Neris, Peralta could be a serious target of the Yankees. 

Though Middleton isn’t a left-hander, he’d be an important depth addition to the roster. One needs to remember the Yankees have lost quite a lot of pitchers this offseason. So a depth addition is just as important for them. With Spring Training right around the corner, the Pinstripes need to make a decision soon.

Read more: MLB Rumors: New York Yankees Turn to Budget-Friendly Bullpen Options, Quest to Strengthen Pitching Depth Continues