Former Philadelphia Phillies reliever Hector Neris has landed a new opportunity within the NL East to compete for a roster spot ahead of the 2025 season. According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, the Atlanta Braves signed Neris as a non-roster invitee, and he’ll be in camp on Monday.
#Braves signed 35-year-old reliever Hector Neris as a non-roster invitee; the righty will be in camp today. Had a 4.10 ERA, 1.399 WHIP in 62 appearances with Astros and Cubs in 2024 (64 Ks & 28 BB in 59 1/3 innings). There are now 49 Braves in camp.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 3, 2025
As a non-roster invitee, Neris is a part of the Braves’ 40-man roster, but gets to compete for a roster spot in Spring Training. The 35-year-old right-handed pitcher is coming off an okay 2024 season, where he spent time with the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.
Neris began the 2024 season with the Chicago Cubs after spending the previous two seasons with the Astros. Neris had an 8-4 record with the Cubs and a 3.89 ERA in 46 appearances. He also recorded 46 strikeouts, allowed 19 earned runs (four home runs), 26 walks, and had 17 saves in 44 innings pitched.
Despite holding batters to a .247 average at the plate, the Cubs shockingly released the veteran pitcher in late August. However, Neris didn’t wait long for his next opportunity as Houston signed him four days later.
In his return to Houston, Neris only appeared in 16 games, tossing 18 strikeouts, while allowing eight home runs (four earned runs) in 15.1 innings pitched. He also had one save in the regular season. The right-handed relief pitcher saw his ERA jump up to 4.70, a stark difference from his time with the Cubs.
Neris began his MLB career with the Phillies, spending eight years with the ball club (2014-21). During his eight-year tenure with the organization, the veteran pitcher had a 3.42 ERA. His best season in Philadelphia was in 2016, which was his third year in the majors.
The right-handed reliever recorded an excellent 2.58 ERA across 79 appearances (career-high). Neris posted 102 strikeouts and gave up nine home runs across 80.1 innings pitched. He also had a 3.30 FIP and recorded two saves.
After bouncing between two teams last season, we’ll see if Neris can carve out a role with the Braves, who are looking to get their NL East crown back from the Phillies.