The New York Mets continue to address their bullpen issues ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, announcing the acquisition of reliever Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor league outfielder Rhylan Thomas on Friday.
This trade was prompted by several developments earlier in the day. The Mariners needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster after acquiring right-hander Yimi Garcia, one of the top available relievers, from the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, the Mets placed one of their key relievers, Dedniel Nunez, on the injured list with a right pronator strain, a significant blow to an already struggling bullpen that has the fourth-highest ERA in the majors since May 1.
While Stanek became expendable in Seattle, the Mets have been actively seeking to upgrade their relief corps to sustain their postseason push. An eight-year veteran with extensive postseason experience, Stanek is the second reliever the Mets have acquired this month, following the addition of right-hander Phil Maton from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 9.
Stanek, who turned 33 on Friday, is known for his powerful arm, featuring a four-seam fastball averaging 97.9 mph this season. He posted a 4.38 ERA in 39 innings over 46 appearances but struggled in his final outings with Seattle, allowing four runs in one combined inning over three games. Stanek will join the Mets as a rental, set to become a free agent this winter after signing a one-year, $4 million deal with Seattle in March.
“He’s got that ability to come in late in games,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Playoff experience, big games. It’s a power arm. It’s 97-98 mph with a splitter. I’ve seen him a lot. I’m just glad he’s on my side now.”
Rhylan Thomas, 24, is batting .265 with five home runs and a .705 OPS in 74 games between Double-A and Triple-A. He was an 11th-round draft pick out of USC in 2022.
With the acquisitions of Stanek and Maton, the Mets’ front office has added two proven arms to a team that has posted the best record in the majors since June 1, despite bullpen struggles. On Friday, they secured the top National League wild-card spot from the Atlanta Braves with their fifth consecutive win. They have until 6 p.m. Tuesday to make additional moves for the stretch run.
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