Recently DFA'd Cubs reliever could help stabilize Orioles' struggling bullpen

By now, it's no secret that Brandon Hyde is struggling to find relievers he can trust. Craig Kimbrel started the season as the Orioles' closer but despite a solid first couple months, lost his grip on the job. After giving Yennier Cano a few save chances, the team named recently-acquired Seranthony Dominguez their closer.

Last night's walk-off loss to the Mets was a cold reminder that even Dominguez, the team's hottest reliver over the last three weeks, is not immune to failure. After striking out pinch-hitter Jesse Winker, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez blasted a no-doubt solo shot to dead center off Dominguez, triggering a raucous celebration for the Mets, and more of the same questions for the Orioles.

How can this team win the AL East, let alone do well in the playoffs, with such a leaky bullpen?
Just last season, the Orioles' relief corps was rock solid, with All-Stars Felix Bautista and Yennier Cano, and lefties Cionel Perez and Danny Coulombe turning most games into a seven-inning affair. But that is far from the case this season. Even in the playoffs, two Orioles relievers shined under the bright lights of the postseason: DL Hall and Tyler Wells. Neither Hall (trade) nor Wells (elbow surgery) are walking out of the bullpen to save the Orioles this season.

To their credit, the Orioles tried to bolster their 'pen at the trade deadline by acquiring Dominguez and Gregory Soto in separate trades with the Phillies. Soto has struggled mightily, and even with Dominguez's solid pitching, it has become clear that this group isn't going to cut it. Dominance from the newest Oriole Colin Selby (1.1 innings, 3 strike outs, 1 great beard) and Keegan Akin aside, the Orioles need to add another reliever. One may have surprisingly fallen into their lap today in the form of former Cubs closer Hector Neris.

The Orioles should sign veteran reliever Hector Neris to help their leaky bullpen

The Cubs recently designated Neris for assignment and after he went unclaimed, released him. To be sure, Neris is not a can't-miss stud reliever, as evidence by the Cubs' decision to move on from him. It appears Friday's blown save against Toronto, where he allowed three runs on four hits, was the last straw for Neris, who had saved 20 of 25 games for the Cubs this year. As MLB Trade Rumors aptly notes, Neris has posted the worst strikeout and walk rates of his career, at 23.1% and 13.3%, respectively.

But like Soto, Neris has a track record that is worthy of the Orioles giving him a chance, especially considering the state of their bullpen. Despite the career-worst strikeout and walk rates Neris is still, by all accounts, posting solid numbers this year. In 46 games, he has a 3.89 ERA (better than Cionel Perez, Bryan Baker and Burch Smith, among others) and is averaging over a strikeout per inning.

Last season with the Astros, Neris was lights out, posting a 1.71 ERA over 71 games in helping propel the Astros to the ALCS. Neris has averaged over a strikeout per inning in every season over his ten-year career. Of the available options to bolster the Orioles' pen post-deadline, Neris is probably the best.

By signing Neris and designating someone like Burch Smith (4.20 ERA, <1 strikeout per innings in 2024), the Orioles could immediately, albeit not greatly, upgrade their bullpen. And since no team claimed him, a team like the Orioles would be signing him for the pro-rated league minimum, with the Cubs on the hook for the remainder of his $9M salary this season.

Although not the grandest of upgrades, replacing the struggling Burch Smith with Hector Neris would help strengthen the Orioles' greatest weakness right now: their bullpen. Let's hope it happens.