Surprise Twist: Former Mets Reliever Ryne Stanek Joins Cardinals, What It Means for Both Teams

Ryne Stanek is packing his bags for St. Louis, embarking on a new chapter with the Cardinals after his rollercoaster stint with the Mets. This right-handed reliever, who landed in Flushing mid-2024 via trade from the Mariners, showed flashes of brilliance amid some struggles — posting a 6.06 ERA across 17 appearances that year, yet stepping up when it mattered in the playoffs with a respectable 3.38 ERA over eight innings. After opting for free agency post-season, he found himself back in the Mets’ bullpen for the 2025 campaign on a fresh one-year contract.

Through 65 outings in 2025, Stanek carried a 5.30 ERA and notched three saves, signaling his value even as the Mets reshaped their relief corps. Sure, there was chatter that New York might retain him, especially after Edwin Diaz took his talents westward to Los Angeles, but with GM David Stearns pulling in top-tier bullpen arms like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, Stanek’s exit seemed inevitable. Now, he joins a growing list of former 2025 Mets relievers — including Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley, Danny Young, Gregory Soto, and, of course, Diaz — all embarking elsewhere. The Cardinals are getting a seasoned arm who’s experienced both turbulence and triumph, ready to make his mark in the National League Central.

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Ryne Stanek is heading to St. Louis.

The former Mets right-hander has signed a deal with the Cardinals, according to multiple reports.

Stanek, who was traded to the Mets in mid-2024 from the Mariners, had an up-and-down tenure in Flushing. Stanek made 17 appearances with the Mets in 2024, pitching to a 6.06 ERA. He appeared in seven games that postseason, allowing three runs in eight innings (3.38 ERA). Stanek elected free agency after the season, but the Mets brought him back on a one-year deal.

In 2025, Stanek made 65 appearances, pitching to a 5.30 ERA and even recording three saves for the Mets.

There was always a possibility the Mets could have brought Stanek back, especially with Edwin Diaz taking his talents to Los Angeles, but David Stearns had already brought in two high-profile free agent relievers in Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.

Stanek joins Tyler Rogers (Blue Jays), Ryan Helsley (Orioles), Danny Young (Braves), Gregory Soto (Pirates) and the aforementioned Diaz as 2025 Mets relievers who are no longer with the team.