Héctor Neris’s 2025 Nightmare: Inside the “Grand Closing” of His Braves Career After Just Two Games.vc
The veteran reliever, a late Spring Training signing, was designated for assignment on March 31 after a disastrous 5-run, 1-inning start to his season—the first of three DFAs in 2025.
ATLANTA — It was a “grand opening followed almost immediately by a grand closing” for Héctor Neris’s brief time with the Atlanta Braves.
The veteran high-leverage reliever, formerly of the Astros and Phillies, was designated for assignment by Atlanta on March 31, just two appearances into the 2025 season. It was the start of a brutal campaign that saw the 36-year-old designated for assignment by three different teams.
The Braves signed Neris to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Spring Training on March 3. Despite an underwhelming 2024, there was quiet optimism that General Manager Alex Anthopoulos and pitching coach Rick Kranitz could work their magic and help Neris return to his dominant 2022 form.
Despite managing just a 1/1 K/BB ratio in three spring appearances, the Braves selected Neris’s contract for the Opening Day roster.
Expectations vs. Reality
Expectations for the age-36 reliever were low. He was projected to be a replacement-level, middle-relief arm. However, in a move that stunned analysts, manager Brian Snitker brought Neris into the Opening Day game in the 7th inning (!!!) with a tight one-run lead (!!!!!).
The decision was an immediate disaster.
Neris gave up a leadoff home run to Gavin Sheets and failed to record a single out before being pulled. He was charged with three earned runs.
His next appearance came three days later, on March 30, against the San Diego Padres. He entered in the 8th inning and was again treated “very rudely,” allowing two more runs.
The very next day, the Braves DFA’d Neris to make room for the return of Jesse Chavez. His final, disastrous Braves stat line: 2 appearances, 1.0 inning pitched, 5 hits, 1 walk, and 5 earned runs.
A Season of DFAs
Neris’s 2025 nightmare did not end in Atlanta. He signed with the Los Angeles Angels, debuting on May 6. He pitched decently but was DFA’d again on June 28. After his release, he rejoined the Houston Astros, only to suffer the indignity of a third DFA from a third different team in mid-August.
Neris finished his 2025 season with a -0.1 fWAR across 26.2 innings, indicating his performance was below that of a replacement-level player.
What Went Right?
It is difficult to find positives from his time in Atlanta. However, Neris did achieve a significant career milestone in August while with the Astros: he hit 10 years of MLB service time, securing his full pension.
2026 Outlook
Neris is currently a free agent. After a rocky 2025, his expectations are “on the floor.” He will likely have to compete for a roster spot on a non-guaranteed, minor-league deal with a Spring Training invitation, should he decide to continue his career.
