Yankees & Rangers "Showing Interest" In Reliable Reliever

The New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers are emerging as the leading contenders in the pursuit of right-handed pitcher Hector Neris, who recently opted for free agency.

Neris, who played a significant role in the Houston Astros' 2022 World Series victory, declined an $8.5 million player option with the Astros, sparking interest from several teams.

In the 2023 season, Neris showcased his talent by registering an impressive 1.71 ERA across 68.1 innings while playing for the Astros.

Hector Neris’ market is becoming active, with the Yankees and Rangers emerging as potential frontrunners to sign the reliever, per sources.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 14, 2024

His performance was characterized by reliability and adaptability, qualities that have made him a sought-after player in the current free agency market.

Earlier in his career, Neris had faced some challenges, but his recent seasons have seen him rectify these issues, making him a valuable asset for teams eyeing postseason success.

The Yankees, known for their strong bullpen, are keen on enhancing their pitching staff and see Neris as a potential addition that could bolster their lineup.

His experience in high-pressure situations, especially his contributions during the 2022 World Series, aligns with the Yankees' pursuit of pitching excellence.

Hector Neris over the past two seasons with the Houston Astros:

🔹2.69 ERA
🔹3.10 FIP
🔹29.1% K%
🔹0.67 HR/9
🔹1.03 WHIP

Should the #Yankees add him to their bullpen this winter? pic.twitter.com/CDQjmJXzS5

— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) January 14, 2024

The team's recent acquisition of Marcus Stroman for the rotation underlines their commitment to maintaining a dominant pitching staff.

Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers, who are in desperate need of bullpen support, are also seriously considering Neris.

His experience and recent performance make him a desirable candidate for the Rangers, who are looking to strengthen their team after a noteworthy 2023 season. Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports