According to Mark Bowman, the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs are pursuing New York Mets high-upside reliever and free agent Ryne Stanek. The right-handed reliever split time in 2024 between the Seattle Mariners and the Mets, sporting a 7-3 record with a 4.88 ERA. Stanek was traded to the Mets on his 33rd birthday on July 26th. Spotrac’s market values Stanek on a one-year deal worth $2.6 million, making him a low-risk and high-upside piece for both the Braves and Cubs.
The #Braves and #Cubs are among the teams with interest in free-agent RHP Ryne Stanek, per @mlbbowman pic.twitter.com/AKLCOS2xq7
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) January 26, 2025
Braves and Cubs Linked to High-Upside Reliever
What Stanek Offers as a High-Upside Reliever
Both the Cubs and Braves are searching for bullpen help. While Stanek did showcase struggles in 2024, he still brings a lot to the table. His label as a high-upside reliever comes from his pitching repertoire. Stanek has a reliable fastball and slider. His fastball contains a high velocity that touches the high 90s. His slider is dominant and assists with striking out opponents when he’s on point. Stanek also has postseason experience and has pitched in key situations. StatMuse indicates that in his career in the postseason, he’s put up a 4-0 record with a 2.89 ERA and 29 strikeouts. Stanek also won a World Series in 2022 when he pitched for the Houston Astros.
All these elements make Stanek a high-upside reliever who would help with the Braves and Cubs’ bullpen needs. Stanek needs to work on his pitching mechanics and build his confidence while improving his surrendering home runs. Over the past couple of seasons, the number of home runs he has given up has doubled. However, his ability to reduce contact makes him a strong candidate for the Cubs and Braves.
This is something that he has demonstrated over the past couple of seasons. In addition, he would help amplify their bullpens with his solid career 3.65 ERA, and 3.7 bWAR. Also, according to Baseball Savant, Stanek showcased a solid whiff (33.2 %) and chase (32 %) last season. So far this offseason, the most significant moves from both clubs have been the addition of outfielder Jurickson Profar and the signings of veteran starter Colin Rea, utility infielder Jon Berti, and reliever Ryan Pressly.
Main Photo Credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
