Four days before the trade deadline, David Stearns made a move to fortify the Mets’ razor-thin bullpen.
The team’s general manager completed a trade with the Mariners for right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek during the Mets’ 8-4 victory over the Braves at Citi Field, the team announced.
The Mets sent minor league outfielder outfielder Rhylan Thomas, their 11th-round pick in the 2022 draft who has struggled since joining Triple-A Syracuse, to Seattle.
The red-hot Mets were in need of quality bullpen arms, particularly with high-leverage righty Dedniel Nunez (right pronator teres strain) going on the 15-day injured list Friday.
Seattle Mariners reliever Ryne Stanek (45) reacts after pitching the 10th inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins at T-Mobile Park. Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets are already without Drew Smith and Brooks Raley for the remainder of the season, while Reed Garrett and Sean Reid-Foley are working their way back from injuries.
Despite a torrid stretch that has seen the Mets go a major-league best 33-15 since May 29, the bullpen has been a major weakness.
The hard-throwing Stanek had a 4.38 ERA with the Mariners and 44 strikeouts in 39 innings.
Ryne Stanek brings a high-velocity fastball to the Mets. Steven Bisig-USA TODAY SportsHe also has seven saves and is holding right-handed hitters to a .213 average and .638 OPS.
Stanek features a four-seam fastball that sits in the high-90s, a split-finger fastball and slider.
His best season came in 2022 as part of the world champion Astros.
That year, Stanek posted a 1.15 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 54 ²/₃ innings.
“I’ve seen him a lot. Power arm, he’s pitched in some big games,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I saw him early in his career with the Rays and as recently as last year with Houston. He’s got that ability to come in late in games, playoff experience, big games.
“He’s 97, 98 (mph), there’s a splitter. I’ve seen him a lot, I’m glad he’s on my side.”
Earlier Friday, the Mariners acquired Blue Jays reliever Yimi Garcia, lessening the need for Stanek.
For now, it’s easy to see him settling into a setup role with the Mets, depending on what other moves Stearns makes.
Ryne Stanek is the second Mets reliever acquired this month after Phil Maton. Steven Bisig-USA TODAY SportsStanek, who turned 33 on Friday, signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Seattle this offseason.
He’s not having his best year, but he is a swing-and-miss arm, which is something the Mets need in their bullpen.
Stanek has struggled with walks, issuing 17 in those 39 innings.
Stanek has struggled at T-Mobile Park, pitching to a 5.49 ERA.
He has been much better on the road with a 3.26 ERA.
He has given up four runs in his last three outings and owns a 7.94 in eight July appearances.
