The Houston Astros bolstered their bullpen by agreeing to a two-year contract with former Philadelphia Phillies closer Hector Neris, reports Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Neris' deal is worth $17 million in guaranteed money, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The 32-year-old had spent his entire eight-year career with the Phillies, where he became an anchor of their bullpen despite a few inconsistent seasons. He's the franchise's all-time leader in strikeouts among relievers, while his 84 saves rank eighth.
Neris posted a 3.63 ERA (115 ERA+), a 1.17 WHIP, 98 strikeouts, and 12 saves across 74 1/3 innings in 2021. His 74 appearances ranked third in the National League.
In Houston, he'll add another solid arm to Dusty Baker's bullpen behind incumbent closer Ryan Pressly. Astros relievers ranked in the middle of the pack in total production last season but allowed just 74 home runs, 10th-best in the majors.