Relievers are still coming off the board this winter. St. Louis-born pitcher Ryne Stanek is coming back to Missouri, as the Cardinals have reportedly signed the right-hander to bolster the bullpen. He’ll join a bullpen that’ll look somewhat different in 2026, and look for a fresh start after a tough 2025 with the Mets.
A Look at Stanek
Last January, the Mets re-signed reliever Ryne Stanek after the 34-year-old pitched very well down the stretch in 2024. Stanek came over to the Mets in July, as part of a trade that sent contact specialist Rhylan Thomas to the Mariners.
However, 2025 was not too kind to Stanek or the Mets. For the right-hander in particular, Stanek had troubles in the second half. The ex-Met gave up 14 walks and 17 earned runs over 24.2 IP during the second half, which resulted in a 6.29 ERA. It is worth noting, though, that he was one of several Mets relievers to struggle in the second half.
Stanek, who traditionally pitches out of the stretch, is a big swing-and-miss pitcher. The right-hander is a high-velocity pitcher who averaged 98.5 MPH last season. His fastball has a considerable amount of riding action up. Last season, he averaged 18.3” IVB on it.
Aside from the fastball, Stanek worked with a splitter, slider, and a sweeper. The sweeper was a new addition to Stanek’s arsenal in 2025 — and one that didn’t click at least straight away.
Stanek’s splitter and slider have been his big swing-and-miss pitches. Two seasons ago, he had an over 40% Whiff% on both, not surprising given that he used the four-seamer almost 60% of the time in 2024. Both the split and slider offer that different look, juxtaposed with the hard fastball.
Three of the seven home runs he surrended in 2025 came off the sweeper.
Analysis
Teams are always looking for different looks out of the bullpen. And the Cardinals are certainly getting a different one with Stanek.
Right now, the Cardinals’ best right-handed relievers are Riley O’Brien and Matt Svanson, both sinkerballers who have relatively lower arm slots. Stanek, on the other hand, is a high-3/4” pitcher. And on top of that, Stanek has a different pitch arsenal to work with.
No, Stanek is not Ryan Helsley. Stanek had his command problems that hurt him as a Met. However, Stanek is a good middle relief option, one who can induce plenty of swing-and-miss.
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