(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
MLB teams have learned to recognize and value the importance of middle and late-inning relievers in recent seasons.
You could have a dominant rotation, but eventually, you will need top relievers to take the game to the finish.
That’s why some high-profile relievers have been getting excellent contracts from MLB squads: Edwin Diaz got $102 million from the New York Mets last year, and Josh Hader is seeking a similar amount.
Hector Neris, who has 89 career saves and has had success in a variety of relief roles that include setting up and closing, has reportedly let teams know they can enjoy his services for $50 million.
“Hector Neris is seeking a three-year, $50M deal in free agency, per @hgomez27,” B/R Walk-Off tweeted.
Hector Neris is seeking a three-year, $50M deal in free agency, per @hgomez27 pic.twitter.com/FrtmgdKNvd
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) January 17, 2024
Gomez is a respected reporter, so his sources should be accurate.
If it’s true, $50 million over three seasons is a significant investment for any contending teams that are considering approaching Neris’ agency.
Not everybody is able to pay a reliever close to $17 million per year, so it’s likely his price eventually lowers somewhat.
Age is also a concern, as he is already 34 and relievers tend to break down relatively early in their careers.
In any case, Neris, who had a 1.71 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 68.1 innings in 2023 with the Houston Astros, is about to get paid.
He deserves it, though: despite a couple of rough seasons here and there, he has been one of the best relievers in baseball over a sustained period of time, with a solid 3.24 ERA in nine MLB campaigns.
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