Mets acquire Stanek from Seattle to bolster 'pen

NEW YORK -- The Mets continued their bullpen fortification before Fridays' 8-4 win over the Braves with another trade addition, acquiring right-hander Ryne Stanek from the Mariners for their 30th-ranked prospect, outfielder Rhylan Thomas. Stanek comes to the team 2 1/2 weeks after the Mets acquired Phil Maton from the Rays.

An eight-year veteran of four teams, Stanek produced a 4.38 ERA over 46 appearances with Seattle, striking out 44 batters over 39 innings. He’s one of the game’s hardest throwers, topping out at 101 mph this season and routinely throwing in the upper 90s. That makes him the polar opposite of Maton, who survives -- and often thrives -- despite a lack of top-end velocity. Stanek also features a slider and splitter, both of which are out pitches for him.

TRADE DETAILS
Mets receive: RHP Ryne Stanek
Mariners receive: OF Rhylan Thomas (Mets' No. 30 prospect)

Stanek has plenty of postseason success on his resume as well, with a 2.70 ERA over 23 career October appearances. That included heavy work for the 2022 World Series champion Astros, as well as the ’21 AL pennant winners.

“He’s the man,” said Maton, who played with Stanek from 2021-23 with the Astros and remains close to him. “Absolute competitor. I’ve seen him do it in two World Series. He’s been in the biggest spots -- a guy who’s been there, done that. Durable. It’s one of my better friends, but honestly, he’s a great guy to have on your team.”

When he arrives in Queens later this weekend, Stanek will join a bullpen that has been decimated by injuries and underperformance. Five of the eight relievers on the Mets’ Opening Day roster are no longer present, including Brooks Raley and Drew Smith, who are done for the season. That has left the Mets to rely heavily on untested pitchers from the Minor Leagues and acquisitions from outside the organization.

Overall, New York entered Friday’s play ranked 17th in the Majors with a 4.04 bullpen ERA.

“He’s pitched in some big games,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said of Stanek. “I saw him early in his career with the Rays and then as recently as last year with Houston. He’s got that ability to come in late in games, with playoff experience, big games. It’s a power arm, it’s 97, 98 with a splitter. … I’m glad he’s on my side now.”

Unlike Maton, whom the Mets acquired for cash earlier this month, Stanek cost the team an interesting prospect. Thomas was the club’s 11th-round Draft pick in 2022 and earned an invitation to Spring Training following a breakout 2023 season. This year, Thomas continued to thrive until a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse, where he slashed a more pedestrian .235/.286/.377 over 49 games. Scouts regard him as an excellent hitter with a limited power ceiling.

Whether the Mets are done adding to their bullpen ahead of Tuesday's 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline remains to be seen. There’s still room for improvement with Smith, Raley, Dedniel Núñez, Sean Reid-Foley and Reed Garrett all on the injured list, though the latter three pitchers should be back in August. The Mets have also been looking into bench upgrades, per sources.

The team did make one additional move on Friday, trading reliever Cole Sulser to the Rays for cash. New York had designated Sulser for assignment last week amidst a 40-man roster crunch. Later Friday, the team designated left-hander Josh Walker for assignment to clear 40-man space for Stanek, who will join the Mets this weekend.

“He’s got a good arm, throws hard,” said Mets designated hitter J.D. Martínez. “He’s definitely going to help us. So we’re excited to add a piece here.”