The Yankees’ options for bullpen help ahead of the 2024 season keep dwindling, as Hector Neris signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Cubs, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed Saturday.
ESPN reported that Neris’ deal carries a team option for 2025, but that converts into a player option if he appears in 60 games.
The Yankees had spoken with Neris, and fellow relievers Wandy Peralta, Phil Maton and Ryan Brasier, according to Heyman.
Neris, 34, spent the past two seasons with the Astros as their setup man behind Ryan Pressly, winning the World Series in 2022 and then compiling a career-best 1.71 ERA last year as Houston made another run to the ALCS.
He originally signed with the Phillies in 2010, making his MLB debut four years later and then appearing in a career-high 79 games in 2016.
Now, Neris will join a Cubs team that barely missed the playoffs last season, hired manager Craig Counsell and signed Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga to improve their starting rotation.
But in the aftermath of closer Josh Hader signing a record-setting deal for relievers with the Astros, Neris’ decision in free agency made it more difficult for other teams — including the Yankees — to improve their bullpen.
