Ryne Stanek

Ryne Stanek walked three and struck out one over a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save against the Rays.

Fantasy Impact

JoJo Romero and Riley O'Brien were both used in the inning prior, leaving Stanek as the option to close out the game. He struggled, but buckled down and struck out the last batter he faced to put it away. The Cardinals will likely mix and match with their relievers to close out games.

Stanek posted a 5.30 ERA with a 58:32 K:BB ratio across 56 innings for the Mets in 2025 and is now among four Cardinals pitchers competing for save opportunities. Riley O'Brien, JoJo Romero, and Matt Svanson round out the group.

Fantasy Impact

Manager Oliver Marmol isn't planning to designate a single closer, saying "I don't think we need to name a guy" and expecting the situation to eventually "solve itself." With four pitchers sharing ninth-inning duties and no timeline for a decision, save chances in St. Louis figure to be distributed across the group for the foreseeable future.

The St. Louis Cardinals and reliever Ryne Stanke have agreed to a contract.

Fantasy Impact

Financial terms of the deal are not immediately available but Stanek has found a new home for 2026 and perhaps beyond. The veteran righty posted an underwhelming 5.30 ERA with the Mets in 2025 but owns a career 3.85 ERA across 466 outings.

Free-agent reliever Ryne Stanek is reportedly receiving interest from multiple teams on the open market.

Fantasy Impact

Feinsand notes that most of the National League Central is interested in the veteran right-hander. Stanek made 65 appearances with the Mets in 2025, posting a 5.30 ERA in the process.

The Cubs have been in contact with free agent Ryne Stanek.

Fantasy Impact

The Cubs are continuing to seek another bullpen arm. Stanek has intriguing stuff, but his production on the mound has struggled the past few seasons.