One of the better relievers still on the board was Ryne Stanek, who played a pivotal role in Houston’s playoff runs over the past three seasons. That’s no longer the case, as Ryne Stanek is reportedly headed to the Seattle Mariners on a one-year deal.
Related: 2024 MLB Spring Breakout: One Prospect to Watch for Every Team
A Look at Stanek
The Rays drafted Ryne Stanek as a starter a decade ago but struggled with both command and the ability to get swings and misses. A transition to the bullpen beginning in 2015, though, turned his career around.
Stanek was a valuable reliever during his time in Tampa, a place where he was often used as an opener. That stayed mostly true during his time with Houston, as Stanek was one of the game’s better middle relievers from 2021-23.
Across three seasons with the Astros, Stanek struck out 196 batters over 173.2 IP and posted a very respectable .620 opponent’s OPS.
Stanek’s proven to be very effective against left-handed hitters, despite the fact he’s a right-handed pitcher. Stanek’s .614 career OPS against left-handed hitters is significantly better against righties (.753).
Much of the reasoning for that is an above-average splitter, one that had a Whiff% rate of 46.8% last season. It’s a pitch that just dives down and away from left-handed hitters and the high 80s pitch plays well off his fastball, which sits in the upper 90s.
Stanek has three pitches, a slider to go with the aforementioned splitter and fastball, that can get outs. However, a career BB/9 of 4.5 and fringe command are concerning points.
Per reports, the Mariners will sign Ryne Stanek to a one-year deal.
Analysis
Different looks are critical to any bullpen and Stanek can do just that for the Mariners, as he could pair well with their current troupe of lefties.
Seattle does have two lefties in Tayler Saucedo and Gabe Speier but both are different than Stanek. Speier relies on a mid-90s slider while Saucedo is a deceptive lefty who relies on offspeed and a low 90s fastball.
Stanek’s got the stuff to get lefties out but also can be someone to be relied upon in the short term against righties. Matt Brash appears to have avoided a major injury. However, a return date is uncertain for him.
Gregory Santos, meanwhile, will begin throwing off a mound soon as he returns from a lat injury. The two were expected to be setup men for Andres Munoz.