RYNE STANEK

Position: RP B/T: R/R
Age: 32 (07/26/1991)

2023 Traditional Stats: 55 G, 50.2 IP, 4.09 ERA, 1.243 WHIP, 3-1, 51 SO, 21 BB
2023 Advanced Stats: 103 ERA+, 23.9% SO%, 9.9% BB%, 3.96 xERA, 4.60 FIP, 5.06 xFIP,  0.1 fWAR, 0.3 bWAR

Rundown

Ryne Stanek began his major league career with the Tampa Bay Rays, primarily used as an opener after struggling in his first few appearances. During this time, he set a major league record with 17 starts where he allowed one run or less. He ended his three-year tenure with the Rays in 2019, compiling a 2-5 record, 3.55 ERA and 171 strikeouts through 142 innings of work.

After a tumultuous stint in Miami, where he finished his time with a 6.09 ERA in 31 games, the Astros signed Stanek to a one-year deal in 2021. He rediscovered his command, ending 2021 with a career-best 1.51 ERA in 59 games. Stanek had his best years in Houston, finishing with a 3.19 ERA in three seasons, with 196 strikeouts through 173 innings.

He predominantly throws a fastball, split-finger, and slider. Interestingly, he threw his slider less when he arrived in Houston. In 2020 with the Marlins, he threw his slider 38.1% of the time but only 18.5% the next three years as an Astro. Players hit .250 against the slider in 2020 but a measly .105 in 2021.

According to Statcast, Stanek landed in the 96th percentile in fastball velocity (98.2 mph) in 2023, 84th percentile in fastball run value (9) and 82nd percentile in whiff% (30.7%). He also placed in the 76th percentile in xBA (.222) but landed in the bottom percentiles in hard-hit rate and ground ball rates.

Stanek was out for a couple of weeks in September due to an ankle sprain. While the strikeout numbers are down, the walks are also down compared to the previous two years. He induced more fly balls, making him prone to the home run ball. He gave up eight in his 52 innings last season. 

Contract

Stanek enters his first year as a free agent after making $3.6 million with the Astros in his final arbitration-eligible year. Expect the right-hander to land either a one or two-year deal in the $3 million to $5 million per year range. Here is a list of what late-inning relievers comparable to Stanek netted this offseason:

With the reliever market moving quickly, Stanek will become a hot commodity. As a result, his price may rise as his stock does.

Recommendation

The Mets need bullpen help, plain and simple. Relievers have come and gone in the free agency period, and the clock’s ticking. With few relievers remaining and spring training less than a month away, the Mets need to move. Stanek would make a nasty one-two punch as the set-up man to Edwin Díaz, closing out games on days he’s unavailable.

I can see the Mets signing Stanek to a two-year deal as they look to see what other options remain in their minor league system. The carryover to next season gives them a formidable bullpen and a chance to be legitimate contenders.