MLB Updates: Yankees’ Bullpen Revamp – Hector Neris Out, Insider Details 2 New Additions

No other team is switching gears like the New York Yankees. Having waited a bit in the initial half of the off-season before making any big moves, they are active in the free agency market now. In an attempt to fill up gaps in their roster, they went back and forth on some options, among which the 10-year Philadelphia veteran, Hector Neris was one. Pay attention to the ‘was’ here.

With Neris potentially ruled out, the Yanks have thrown the fishing net wider. The bullpen-building attempts have drawn significant attention to two intriguing names. Dealing with high expectations, what will Brian Cashman’s magic move be? 

The New York Yankees Pivot Again

The Yankees, with the aim of bolstering their bullpen for 2024, have had yielding conversations with two interesting relievers per YES Network’s beat writer Jack Curry. That said, their chase for Hector Neris seems to have cooled off. With whispers about Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton getting louder, there is excitement in the Bronx.

Hector Neris Fades – The 34-year-old Houston Astros pitcher, displayed a resurgent year with the Astros in 2023. Despite being strongly linked with the Yankees initially, it seems like the negotiations have ceased. Could it be his expectation for a three-year deal worth $50 million this offseason? This comes as slightly unexpected since Neris’ experience and late-inning abilities seemed in sync with what the pinstripes need. Now the club has to look at other options. 

Enter Peralta and Middleton. These are two under-the-radar arms that could offer great value to the Bronx bullpen. Peralta, a south-paw who posted a career 3.88 ERA, could provide much-needed southpaw balance to the Yankees’ bullpen despite certain inconsistencies in the past. Middleton, righty, caught the Yankees’ eyes too who was a rental in New York last year. He recorded a career ERA of 3.38. Well, both pitchers offer great potential at relatively affordable price tags. These price-sensitive decisions of the front office might yield great results for the club. 

What’s Going to Happen Next?

It’s worth wondering what’s next. Apart from the Yankees, Neris has another suitor, the Texas Rangers. With Brian Cashman stepping back from taking things further with the #50 Dominican, the Rangers might go ahead with him. However, the financial demand seems quite unconventional for a closer. Though there is a proven track record that he is a great reliever, only time will tell if he lands in Texas or elsewhere. Switching to the Yankees, they are laying quite the foundation. 

Read More : New York Yankees Zeroed In on Bullpen Help, Courting These 2 Sought-After Relievers

With these moves incoming, Yankees fans have a reason to stay tuned in the coming weeks. The bullpen paints a promising picture. While official statements are yet to be made, one thing is clear – the Yanks are committed to adding folks who can solidify their relief corps. They might just have an ideally collated team for 2024.