Per a team announcement, the Seattle Mariners will trade right-hander Ryne Stanek to the New York Mets in exchange for outfield prospect Rhylan Thomas. Seattle signed Stanek in March to bolster the back of an already strong bullpen.
We’ve acquired RHP Ryne Stanek from Seattle in exchange for minor league outfielder Rhylan Thomas. pic.twitter.com/mZGi8S4gZq
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 26, 2024
Though Seattle remains in the postseason mix, general manager Jerry Dipoto clearly wants to shake up his club. The Mariners already possessed a strong pitching staff before acquiring high-leverage reliever Yimi García from Toronto. The inconsistent Stanek became expendable.
Mariners Trade Ryne Stanek to Mets
Unfortunately, the veteran has struggled in his first season with the Mariners. In 46 appearances this year, Stanek tossed 39 innings and posted a 4.38 ERA (86 ERA+). Compared to last season, he is giving up fewer walks and striking out more opponents.
However, his BABIP is 30 points higher and his barrel percentage is up by 1.2 percent. Stanek has also been hurt by giving up incredibly hard contact and failing to induce ground balls.
Ryne Stanek is a great add for the Mets
Explosive fastball that sits 98 MPH
Plus slider and nasty splittler
Some walk issues but a 25.6 K%
Pitches with tons of emotionTrade return was also very light so the Mets just kind of bought their new set-up man pic.twitter.com/o6TijkS2PD
— James Schiano (@James_Schiano) July 26, 2024
That said, the Mets will trade for Stanek due to his track record of success in important games for the Houston Astros. In his three years with Houston, Stanek tossed 173 2/3 innings with a 2.90 ERA (142 ERA+), 10.2 strikeouts per nine, and 38 games finished. His best year in this stretch came in 2022, when he produced a 1.15 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Additionally, Stanek has posted a 2.70 ERA in 23 career post-season appearances. This includes a 0.00 ERA during Houston’s World Series run in 2022. Interestingly enough, Stanek will join Phil Maton as members of that Astros bullpen to join the Mets via trade this month.
Mariners Deal From Team Strength
In acquiring Thomas from the Mets, the Mariners will add a lefty who projects to be a fourth or fifth outfielder. He is hitting.265/.318/.387 in 305 plate appearances split between Double and Triple-A this season.
Really like the Rhylan Thomas for Ryne Stanek trade for the Mets.
Stanek has pitched better than his 4.38 ERA (3.44 xERA) would indicate. Velo is still there and getting lots of chase. Walks are his issue. Has closing/high leverage experience.
Thomas is a 4th/5th OF type.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) July 26, 2024
Thomas doesn’t strike out much and can play all three outfield spots. However, his offensive upside is limited due to a lack of power and a failure to draw walks. Perhaps the Mariners can develop him, but the upside of Stanek might make this trade a steal for the Mets.
Photo Credit: © Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
