3 best 'last resorts' for Dodgers to address bullpen in free agency

Héctor Neris

Neris is the last big fish in the reliever pond and, as a result, has garnered interest from multiple teams after leaving the Astros in free agency, including the Yankees, Mets, and Rangers. Although it does look likely that he'll head to the east coast, the Dodgers could make a late-game play for him to swipe yet another big free agent from under the league's noses.

While there's no love for the Astros or ex-Astros in LA, Neris' excellence speaks for itself (and, importantly, he wasn't on the team when all of the trash can banging was taking place). Houston leaned on him heavily out of their bullpen in 2022 and 2023 after eight mostly unexceptional years in Philadelphia. He dominated especially in 2023, pitching 68 1/3 innings for a 1.71 ERA and a nearly 30% strikeout rate.

With Josh Hader off the board, Neris is the best relief option still remaining. Given his age and the fact that relievers don't usually make much money to begin with, he could still be affordable for the Dodgers if they were to stretch a bit and outbid the other teams who seem to be invested in him. According to the rumor mill, he's seeking approximately a two-year, $20 million deal. The Dodgers can make that happen if they'd like to.