Cubs release former Astros relief pitcher Héctor Neris

Héctor Neris, who was a key piece in the Astros' bullpen in 2022 and 2023, came through the waivers list and was released by the Cubs on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Neris left Houston in the offseason and signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Cubs that included a team option for another $9 million in 2025. That clause was converted to a player option if Neris made 60 appearances or finished 45 games for the Cubs this season. With 37 games remaining, Neris would have had to make 14 more appearances or get the last out 12 times for that option to kick in.

The Cubs initially signed Neris as a setup man, but when closer Adbert Alzolay was out for the rest of the season with an injury, Neris stepped in. He was 8-4 with a 3.89 ERA and 17 saves in 22 opportunities. His WHIP of 1.52 was the second-highest of his 11-year career, and his strikeout rate of 23.5% and walk rate of 13.3% are the worst of his career, both below his 28.2% and 11.4% from his last season with the Astros.

Because he passed the waivers list, Neris can be signed by any team at the prorated league minimum, which is deducted from what the Cubs owe him for the final six weeks of the season. He would also be eligible for a team's postseason roster, provided he signs by August 30.

At such a low cost, Neris could be attractive to playoff teams, as he posted a 1.71 ERA in 71 appearances just a year ago. He also has plenty of postseason experience, having pitched in 15 playoff games with the Astros, including three scoreless appearances in the 2022 World Series win over the Phillies.