The St. Louis Cardinals announced Tuesday that they have signed right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek to a one-year contract for 2026, with a club option for 2027. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“Ryne brings competitiveness, character, and tremendous experience to our bullpen, along with the high-end stuff he has featured throughout his career,” said Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom. “We’re happy that he’s chosen to join the Cardinals and look forward to what he will contribute in every aspect.”
Stanek, 34, has pitched in the Major Leagues since 2017, including stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and New York Mets. He owns a 21-23 career record with a 3.85 ERA, 14 saves, and 531 strikeouts in 458.1 innings over 466 career games. He ranks 15th among all active pitchers in games pitched and has logged seven seasons with 50 or more appearances.
Last season with the Mets, Stanek appeared in 65 games, going 4-6 with three saves, 11 holds, and a 5.30 ERA, striking out 58 in 56 innings while averaging 98.5 mph on his fastball. He has also pitched in 30 career postseason games with a 4-0 record and a 2.89 ERA, and was part of the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship team.
Stanek played three seasons at the University of Arkansas and was selected by Tampa Bay in the first round of the 2013 Draft. A native of St. Louis and lifelong Cardinals fan, he was named after late Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.
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