New York Mets Re-Sign Ryne Stanek

His 2024 numbers don’t look great on paper. However, Stanek will provide New York with a battle-tested veteran presence in high-leverage situations.

Ryne Stanek Returns To The Mets

Last year, Stanek signed after the start of Spring Training and split the season between the Seattle Mariners and the Mets. In 63 combined games, the veteran posted a 4.88 ERA (78 ERA+) in 55 1/3 innings while posting strikeout and walk rates roughly in line with his career norms.

Stanek’s issues mainly stemmed from allowing hard contact, too many walks, and failing to generate ground balls. Hitters elevated the ball with solid contact, often resulting in extra-base hits. A high walk rate worsens this problem by increasing the chances of extra-base hits with runners on base.

Despite these struggles, Stanek redeemed himself with a strong finish. In his final 12 appearances, the fiery reliever allowed four runs in 12 1/3 innings (2.92 ERA) while recording a whopping 18 strikeouts against four walks.

Yearly October Success

Perhaps most encouraging for Stanek was that he continued this success into the postseason. He quickly earned the trust of manager Carlos Mendoza and represented one of the few reliable arms in a shallow Mets bullpen. Overall, Stanek tossed eight innings in seven games and allowed three runs on five hits with three walks and eight strikeouts.

This October success was nothing new for Stank. Before 2024, Stanek recorded a 2.70 ERA in 23 career post-season appearances, including a 0.00 ERA during the Houston Astros 2022 World Series run.

During his hot stretch in Queens, Stanek told reporters that the Mets identified an issue with his mechanics. The veteran revealed to the team that he was dealing with some back pain that, unbeknownst to him, impacted his delivery. Stanek experienced improved results after getting treatment and fixing his mechanics.

New York will sign Stanek, 33, and bank on his late-season success to carry over. Despite his flaws, Stanek still ranked as one of the hardest throwers in MLB last season while posting elite Whiff, Chase, and Strikeout rates. Relievers can be fickle, but Stanek has a track record and ability likely worth betting on.