Former Closer Elects Free Agency After DFA

He's racked up 107 saves as a closer in the majors, including 18 last season. But after just two dreadful appearances with the Atlanta Braves this season and a resulting DFA, Hector Neris has elected to ditch his minor league deal with the team and enter the free agent market rather than be outrighted to Triple-A.

Atlanta Braves RHP Hector Neris cleared outright waivers and elected free agency. pic.twitter.com/wDyDFBWXHJ
— MLB Roster Moves (@Roster_Moves) April 3, 2025

Neris appeared in two games for the Braves in their season-opening series against the San Diego Padres. In the first appearance, he entered the game with a 4-3 lead and didn't record an out in facing three batters, including surrendering a home run. He was charged with the loss. His second appearance was not much better, pitching one full inning, and allowing two earned runs. He came out of all that with a 45.00 ERA and a DFA.

Neris was the closer for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2017-2020, until losing the job in 2021. He headed to Houston from there where he was more of a set-up man, and in 2024 split time between the Astros and the Chicago Cubs, posting a total of 18 saves with a 4.10 ERA but a 1.40 WHIP.

For his career, Neris has a 3.40 ERA over 12 seasons, with a 1.18 WHIP and 107 saves. He's struck out 11.1 batters per nine innings (11.1 K/9).

He'll now try to catch on with another team that would be willing to take a chance on the 35-year-old.