Four Bargain Bin Relievers the Miami Marlins should Target in Free Agency

1) Hector Neris

Aside from All-Star Josh Hader, Hector Neris represents one of the best relievers anywhere in the pool for free agents. While the veteran's resume of void of traditional metrics like All-Star appearances, or Reliever of the Year honors, Neris has clearly established himself as one of the premiere setup men in baseball.

In his 10-year MLB career, Neris holds a 3.24 ERA with 676 strikeouts and 89 saves. Most recently in 2023, the veteran was nearly untouchable with a sparkling 1.71 ERA across 68.1 innings of high-leverage relief innings with the Houston Astros.

Not only that, but Neris also has heaps of experience on baseball's biggest stages. He was a member of Houston's 2022 World Series Championship team and has pitched 14.1 relief innings over 15 postseason games in his career.

This combination of veteran leadership, on-field success, and postseason experience makes Neris a perfect target for Miami. He would immediately become a top-tier setup man behind Scott while providing potential saves on off days or in the event of an injury.

Neris' price tag will be high. Spotrac has his projected annual salary set at $7.6 million per season. However, the fact that the reliever declines an $8.5 million player option is a clear indication that he hopes to make closer to $10 million in 2024.

However, Neris, who would only require a short term deal, is still a viable top target for a Miami bullpen in great need of his services. The veteran righty would immediately bolster a Marlins' bullpen that ranked in the bottom third in reliever ERA in 2023.

More Marlins Stories