The New York Yankees had a pretty good offseason. Initially, they were in a sort of bother. First of all, the 2023 season was one worth forgettable for the fans and players of the NY side. The Bronx Bombers did not make the postseason and finished with an 82-80 record. It was a tremendous shame for the fans and the front office. Moreover, they needed to bolster their offense, and the outfield was really struggling. Hence, they were keen to bring in some top lefty sluggers to the Bronx. And eventually, they got some. Clearly, the biggest name they brought in was Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres.
Then, along with Soto, came Trent Grisham, and before them, the Boston Red Sox traded Alex Verdugo to their rivals. As a result, the Yankees outfield gained a huge boost. However, in the process of bolstering the outfield, the Bronx Bombers sacrificed their pitching depth. They needed reinforcements to balance things out in the bullpen. Moreover, they missed some big names this winter despite getting too close to sealing certain deals. Anyhow, the Yankees have shown intent to go all-in for the players they really need. Currently, they have their eyes on a starting pitcher who’s a former Astros reliever.
Will Yankees Go All-In For Hector Neris?
The NY side is already in a pretty good spot this winter. But if they can land this intriguing reliever, then they would look like the best bullpen ahead of the upcoming season. One or two more high-profile relievers would really make the offseason perfect for them. As per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are currently speaking with Hector Neris. Heyman also mentioned that certain teams like Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are also in talks with Neris. Will the stud go back to the Astros? Only time can answer that.
But the trade rumor link between the Yankees and Neris has been going on throughout this offseason. Moreover, he can be a pretty good replacement for Michael King’s role last season. Hector Neris spent the last two years with the Houston Astros and has been pretty impressive. This 34-year-old reliever posted a 1.71 ERA in 2023, appearing 71 times in total. But what’s more impressive about Neris is strikeout to walk ratio in the last two seasons. In 2023, it was 77 to 31 in 68 1/3 innings. But in 2022, it was even better, with 79 to 17. That year, he compiled a 3.72 ERA.
What Are The Other Pitching Options For The Bombers?
If the Yankees plan to go all-in for a starting pitcher, then why not get the best reliever that’s available? Moreover, the NY side can also try to sign Wandy Peralta. If they get both these pitchers, they would be in a very strong position ahead of the upcoming season. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers have Jonathan Loaisiga, Tommy Kahnle, and Clay Holmes. They are pretty high-leverage arms.
Neris would certainly boost that high-leverage depth in their bullpen. In terms of consistency, the Yankees would benefit a lot from the former Astros stud. He is definitely the best reliever available in the market. There will be stiff competition between Texas Rangers and the Yankees to sign him.