Phillies Avoid Arbitration With Hector Neris and Agree on 1-Year Deal
By Jerry Trotta
The Philadelphia Phillies waited until the last minute to reach an agreement with their final arbitration-eligible player still without a settled salary for the 2020 season.
On Friday, the club announced that it avoided arbitration with reliever Hector Neris on a one-year, $4.6 million contract that includes a team option for 2021.
#Phillies have agreed to terms with RHP Héctor Neris on a one-year contract with a club option for 2021 and thus avoided arbitration. pic.twitter.com/T1Gx2vCgWm
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 21, 2020
Originally, both parties were less than $1 million apart in negotiations: Neris submitted at $5.2 million and the Phils countered at $4.25 million.
The $4.6 million sum comes in just under the $4.725 million centrum. This settlement was vital for Philadelphia as Neris was one of the team's most worked (and valuable) weapons out of the bullpen in 2019.
Phillies avoided arb hearing with Hector Neris. Settlement at $4.6 mill.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) February 21, 2020
The 30-year-old veteran's effectiveness was largely overshadowed by his frequent on-the-field antics. In 68 appearances, he compiled a 2.93 ERA and 1.020 WHIP, alongside 28 saves, and 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
Neris will be arbitration-eligible again in 2021, but if he registers another impressive season for the Phillies this season, the franchise will likely be keen on another reunion.