Héctor Neris DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent right-handed reliever Hector Neris signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Neris began the season in the Atlanta Braves' bullpen but allowed five earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out one in just an inning of work before he was designated for assignment. The 35-year-old veteran chose free agency after clearing waivers and has now latched on with the Halos. For the time being, he'll most likely report to Triple-A Salt Lake and serve as minor-league relief depth for the Angels. Neris saw a drop in his strikeout rate and swinging-strike rate last year with the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros despite winning 10 games and recording 18 total saves. He has 107 career saves over 12 big-league seasons, but his days as a high-leverage reliever are likely over.

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they selected the contract of right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Gwinnett to the major-league roster and designated right-handed reliever Hector Neris for assignment in a corresponding move. The 41-year-old Chavez will give the Braves a new bullpen arm after Neris had a disastrous two relief outings in San Diego over the weekend by allowing five earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out one in just one inning of work. This will be Chavez's fourth different stint with the organization. In 46 appearances out of the Braves' bullpen last year, Chavez was solid with a 3.13 ERA (4.43 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 19 walks in 63 1/3 innings pitched. In a likely middle-relief role, Chavez will have very little fantasy appeal.

The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent right-hander Hector Neris to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes a non-roster invite to big-league spring training. Neris will join the Braves and look to compete for a spot in their Opening Day bullpen, probably as more of a middle-relief option. The 35-year-old veteran does have 107 career saves in 11 MLB seasons over his career, including 18 last year with the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros, but as long as Raisel Iglesias is healthy for the Braves, Neris probably won't see any save chances at all in Atlanta. Despite saving 18 games in 2024, Neris held a 4.10 ERA (4.28 FIP), 1.39 WHIP, 64 strikeouts and 28 walks in 59 1/3 innings. His 12.3% swinging-strike rate and 24.6% strikeout rate were his lowest marks since 2015. Don't expect Neris to be much of a late-inning option for the Braves if he makes the team.