Chicago Cubs release star relief pitcher in surprising move and call up top talent

For the Chicago Cubs, Hector Neris played the role of closer for most of the 2024 MLB season. After the Cubs decided not to trade him before the MLB transfer deadline, they have now made a surprising decision regarding Neris.

According to a report by Jess Rogers of ESPNChicago DFA'd Neris and he has already cleared waivers. He will be released by the team.

As a replacement, the Cubs drafted Jack Neely, who was signed from the New York Yankees in exchange for Mark Leiter Jr. from the city.

Although Neris wasn't particularly good as a closer, this move was far from expected. Neris still had one more season left on his contract and could have been moved to the seventh or eighth inning instead of being a closer.

During the 2024 MLB season with Chicago, Neris appeared in 46 games, posting an 8-4 record, a 3.89 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP, a 1.8 K/BB ratio, 17 saves, three holds, and five blown saves.

It probably won't be long before Neris finds a new job. There are a few teams in the league that could use a solid veteran pitcher for the final stretch of the season.

Neely has appeared in 37 games in the minors this season. He has a record of 1-1 with a 2.42 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, 76 strikeouts, 17 walks, nine saves, four holds and 48.1 innings pitched.

Still, this is a big surprise for the Cubs. However, Neris hasn't been particularly good and the front office simply decided he's not consistent enough to be around in the future.