Latest: Yankees could scoop up recently cut World Series-winning relief pitcher

The New York Yankees now have a promising new bullpen option. The Chicago Cubs have announced that they have designated closer Hector Neris for assignment. Neris has cleared waivers and is now a free agent, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

Hector Neris might be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ bullpen as the season progresses.

Neris, 35, is currently in his 10th major league season and secured a World Series title with the Houston Astros in 2022. This is his first year with the Cubs, where he has faced challenges, posting a 3.89 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP over 44 innings. He has also recorded five blown saves and 26 walks.Since June 15, Neris’s performance has improved somewhat, with a 3.44 ERA and a strikeout rate of 27.2% during this period. The Yankees could benefit from his services as they are in urgent need of bullpen reinforcement, despite acquiring Mark Leiter Jr. from the Cubs at the trade deadline. Recently, Yankees’ relievers have struggled, with a 5.47 ERA over the last seven games and opponents batting .292 against them.

The Yankees are facing issues with their closer role in the bullpen.

New York is facing a challenge with their closer role, as All-Star Clay Holmes has faltered with 10 blown saves this season—the highest number of any pitcher this year and the most by a Yankees pitcher since Dave Righetti had 13 in 1987. Adding Neris could provide a crucial high-leverage setup man who might also step in as a closer if Holmes continues to struggle.

Currently, the primary high-leverage relievers are Luke Weaver, Tommy Kahnle, and recently, Jake Cousins. Although they have performed well for most of the season, the Yankees may be looking for a pitcher with more experience in late-game situations as they head into the postseason, and Neris would fit that bill.

The Yankees are once again exploring unconventional options at catcher. Additionally, a key high-leverage reliever is set to start a rehab assignment on Saturday, and there’s potential for the Yankees to acquire a recently released World Series-winning relief pitcher. While there are no indications that the Yankees and Neris are close to a deal, signing him could provide a significant boost to their bullpen as they head into the final stretch of the season.