St. Louis Cardinals sign Ryne Stanek

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed RHP Ryne Stanek to a one-year contract, worth $3.5 million. The contract includes a team option for 2027, worth $6 million. Stanek, 34, was 4-6 with a 5.30 ERA, 65 games, 11 holds, 3 saves, 56 innings, 58 strikeouts, 32 walks, and a whip of 1.57 with the New York Mets in 2025.

Stanek had his best season in 2021, with the Houston Astros. That season, Stanek was 3-5 with a 3.42 ERA, 72 games, 21 holds, 2 saves, 68.1 innings, 83 strikeouts, 37 walks, and a whip of 1.21. The games and holds were both career highs for Stanek.

In 2018, with the Tampa Bay Rays, Stanek had a career high (29) starts. 

Stanek had career highs in innings (77) and strikeouts (89) in 2019, combined between the Rays and Miami Marlins.

In 2022, Stanek helped the Astros win the World Series. 

Stanek had career highs in both wins (7) and saves (7) in 2024, combined between the Seattle Mariners and Mets.

Overall, Stanek has played 9 MLB seasons. Stanek is 21-23 with a 3.85 ERA, 466 games, 56 starts, 89 holds, 14 saves, 458.1 innings, 531 strikeouts, 232 walks, and a whip of 1.32.

Stanek could be a good addition for the Cardinals' bullpen if they can help him get back on track. Stanek hasn't been good the past couple of seasons. Stanek can reach 98.5 miles per hour with his fastball. Stanek also had a good slider, which had a 45% whiff in 2025.

The Cardinals have had success in the last two seasons with similar relievers (RHP Andrew Kittredge and RHP Phil Maton).

Stanek is reunited with Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Bloom drafted Stanek in the 1st round (29th overall) in the June 2013 MLB Draft.