In a surprising late-offseason move, the Atlanta Braves have signed veteran reliever Héctor Neris, a longtime staple of their National League East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies.
The signing, which comes just weeks before the Braves’ season opener against the San Diego Padres, has stirred controversy within the team’s bullpen competition as roster spots become more competitive.
Neris, 34, spent eight seasons with the Phillies (2014-2021) before moving to the Houston Astros, where he became a reliable late-inning option.
His experience, durability, and ability to handle high-leverage situations made him an attractive option for the Braves, who are looking to solidify their relief corps ahead of the 2025 season.
However, his history as a longtime foe of Atlanta has raised eyebrows among fans and even some players.
For years, Neris was a thorn in the Braves’ side, often delivering clutch performances against them while wearing a Phillies uniform.
His fiery demeanor, coupled with past tensions between the two teams, makes this move particularly intriguing.
Notably, he was involved in a few heated moments with Braves hitters, including a 2019 incident where he was ejected after an emotional save at Truist Park.
Now, he will don the Braves uniform, a transition that might take some getting used to for both him and the fanbase.
Beyond the optics, Neris’ addition complicates an already intense bullpen competition in Atlanta’s camp.
The Braves entered spring training with several relievers fighting for limited roster spots, including young arms and non-roster invitees looking to make an impression.
The signing of Neris could push some fringe players out of contention, leading to debates over whether the team should prioritize experience over potential upside.
Braves manager Brian Snitker addressed the move, stating, “We’ve seen Héctor pitch against us for years, and we know what he brings.
He’s a veteran who knows how to handle big moments, and that’s something we value as we prepare for another deep postseason run.”
With Opening Day fast approaching, all eyes will be on how Neris fits into the Braves’ bullpen hierarchy.
Will he immediately assume a high-leverage role, or will he have to prove himself in a new clubhouse? Regardless, this surprise signing adds another layer of intrigue as the Braves gear up for what they hope will be a championship-caliber season.
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