Hector Neris (Matt Dirksen/GettyImages)
The Chicago Cubs released Hector Neris and rejoicing could be heard throughout the realm of Cubs fans. A look at Neris’ stats belies just how problematic Neris’ performance has been. A quick look at his numbers shows Hector converted 17 of 22 save opportunities. That’s 77%, which is not abysmal. His ERA is 3.89 which isn’t gag me with a spoon bad. However, his WHIP of 1.523 is more indicative of his performance.
He earned the nickname, “Heart attack Hector.“
It was money poorly spent
It would have been bad enough if Neris had been cheap, but $9 million for that type of production was definitely money poorly spent. On top of that, Craig Counsell was seemingly oblivious to the fact that seemed obvious to most fans; Neris didn’t belong in high leverage situations.
The Cubs are currently running guys out in high leverage situations at a fraction of Nervis’ cost. Porter Hodge and Jorge Lopez have saved the Cubs’ last two wins. Each has done it with much less excitement than the Neris Experience.
By cutting Neris the Cubs save a potential $9 million cap hit next season as well as possibly saving a little bit this season. I doubt the move will bring the Cubs under the salary cap this season, but it’s still a good move.
And to think, the signing of Nervis was a major factor in the Cubs being over the first luxury tax threshold.
Just for comparison’s sake, I checked Josh Hader‘s numbers. It seems that Hader was having a bad season but upon review, Hader has converted 27 out of 28 save opportunities. It’s hard to imagine the Cubs not being better with Hader than Neris. Hader did cost $19 million this season, but if the Cubs are over the luxury tax anyway…
Revisiting the signing of Dansby Swanson
Two off seasons ago there was a plethora of free agent shortstops. They included Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson. At the time, Swanson looked like the “bargain.” At this point he may be the third rated bargain, behind Carlos Correa and Trea Turner.
Originally it seemed like Swanson might be a good investment through the duration of his contract. This season puts that theory in question.
Maybe the Cubs should just try to go out and get the best players available. Not the most cost-effective players. The Cubs should live a little and buy the Oreos and not the Hydrox.
I would think that going over the luxury tax while spending for tripe and not winning would be the one thing Jed Hoyer should have avoided at all costs.
If Jed Hoyer put together a body in a laboratory, it would have only one hip. That’s the way Jed works.
What about next season?
Jed Hoyer may actually feel some pressure to make the playoffs next season. Maybe he will be compelled to actually take some risks and spend some money. For one thing, look for Nico Hoerner to be traded. Hoerner has a cap hit of $11.5 million. Not necessarily overpriced, but replaceable.
Hoyer may have to trade to upgrade the team. The crop of free agents, with the exception of Juan Soto, isn’t overwhelming. I doubt the Cubs will sign him. I do think that Cody Bellinger will exercise his player’s option and come back to the Cubs for $27.5 million.
The foundation is in place if Jed doesn’t try to get by on the cheap.
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Good, well-written article.