MLB Rumors: Cubs' Hector Neris Released; Jack Neely Called Up After Yankees Trade

The Chicago Cubs reportedly made a few changes that will bring some youthful energy to their bullpen.

According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Cubs released relief pitcher Hector Neris after he was designated for assignment and cleared waivers.

Chicago replaced him by calling up pitching prospect Jack Neely, who was acquired from the New York Yankees at the trade deadline this season as part of the deal that sent Mark Leiter Jr. to New York.

Sean Leahy of Yahoo Sports pointed out that releasing Neris saves the Cubs money for the 2025 season. The right-handed hurler had a vesting player option for $9 million for next year that would've kicked in if he appeared in 60 games or finished 45 games this season. His departure from Chicago came after 46 appearances and finishing 33 games. With 37 games remaining on the team's schedule, there was a chance he would've hit those marks if he wasn't released.

Neris served as the Cubs' closer but struggled to find consistency this year. He went 8-4 with 17 saves, a 3.89 ERA and 44 strikeouts, but he also blew five saves and had a 1.52 WHIP, the second-worst mark of his career.

Neely was ranked as the No. 18 prospect in Chicago's farm system. Across 37 appearances this season between Double-A and Triple-A ball, he has a 2.42 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 48.1 innings of work.

MLB.com's scouting report predicted that Neely could have a bright future in the majors, stating, "If his slider-heavy attack continues to work against upper-level hitters, he could help Chicago in the near future and eventually settle into a late-inning role."

The Cubs are tied with the Cincinnati Reds for third place in the NL Central with a 61-64 record entering Tuesday's series opener against the Detroit Tigers.