Chicago Cubs Part Ways with Hector Neris, Promote Jack Neely
In a surprising move, the Chicago Cubs have decided to part ways with relief pitcher Hector Neris. The decision comes after Neris was recently designated for assignment, signaling the end of his tenure with the team. The Cubs are set to call up fellow right-hander Jack Neely to replace Neris in the bullpen.
Neris, who signed a one-year, $9 million contract in the offseason, struggled to find consistency this season. The 35-year-old converted 17 of 22 save attempts but also issued 26 walks over 44 innings. Despite serving as the team’s closer, Neris’s performance fell short of expectations, leading to his eventual release.
With a career ERA of 3.29 and 106 saves in 592 relief appearances, Neris has been a reliable arm out of the bullpen throughout his career. However, his recent struggles on the mound have prompted the Cubs to make a change in their pitching staff.
Jack Neely: A Rising Prospect
In his place, the Cubs are turning to Jack Neely, a promising young pitcher who was acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees for reliever Mark Leiter Jr. Neely, 24, is the Cubs’ No. 18 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, showcasing the team’s confidence in his abilities.
Neely has impressed in the minor leagues, posting a 2.42 ERA in 37 relief appearances across three different teams in 2024. Despite his success in the minors, Neely has yet to make his major league debut. However, the Cubs are hopeful that he can make an immediate impact at the big league level.
Looking Ahead
As the Cubs move forward without Neris, they will be relying on Neely and other members of their bullpen to step up and fill the void. With the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the pressure is on for the pitching staff to perform at a high level down the stretch.
Neely’s promotion signals a new chapter for the Cubs’ bullpen, one that will see young talent given the opportunity to shine. While Neris’s departure may come as a surprise to some, the Cubs are confident in their decision to make a change in order to improve their chances of success.
In the competitive world of Major League Baseball, roster moves like this are not uncommon. Teams are constantly evaluating their players and making adjustments to put themselves in the best position to win. For the Cubs, parting ways with Neris and promoting Neely is a calculated risk that they believe will pay off in the long run.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Neely as he looks to make his mark in the majors. Cubs fans will be eager to see how he performs and whether he can help the team secure a playoff berth. Only time will tell if this bold move pays off for the Chicago Cubs.
