Former Phillies reliever Héctor Neris has returned to the National League East after signing with the Atlanta Braves on Monday, as confirmed by the team’s transaction log. The 35-year-old right-hander joined the Braves on a minor-league contract with an invitation to major-league spring training.
Neris, known for his strong fastball-splitter combination, is an 11-year MLB veteran who spent his first eight seasons with the Phillies. After debuting in 2014 with a one-inning appearance, he quickly became a key part of Philadelphia’s bullpen the following season. Throughout his Phillies tenure, Neris experienced both highs and lows, with standout seasons, some underwhelming ones, and even a demotion to Triple-A followed by a successful comeback in 2018. Overall, he posted a 3.42 ERA and 84 saves across 405 appearances.
After leaving Philadelphia, Neris joined the Houston Astros and played a crucial role in their bullpen during their 2022 World Series win over the Phillies. He followed that up with his best season in 2023, registering a 1.71 ERA over 71 games.
Last season, Neris signed with the Chicago Cubs but was released in August. He then rejoined the Astros to finish the year. Over 62 games, he posted a 4.10 ERA. Unable to secure a guaranteed major-league deal for 2025, Neris will compete for a spot on the Braves’ roster during spring training. If he makes the team, he’ll face his former Phillies teammates frequently, as he has yet to allow a run against them in seven career appearances, including both regular-season and postseason games.
