The New York Mets strengthened their bullpen on Thursday by signing right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek to a one-year contract.
Stanek was traded from Seattle to the Mets last year in exchange for minor league outfielder Rhylan Thomas. He posted a 6.06 ERA in 17 appearances during the regular season and became a reliable reliever in the postseason.
In eight innings across seven postseason games, the 33-year-old allowed three runs and struck out eight batters.
“Ryne emerged as an important late-inning option for us last season and we’re excited to bring him back,” said Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns in a release. “He brings a combination of experience and stuff that will complement the rest of our pen well.”
Stanek will join a bullpen that includes closer Edwin Diaz and left-handed setup man A.J. Minter.
To make space on New York’s 40-man roster, right-hander Dylan Covey was designated for assignment. Covey, 33, has not appeared in a major league game since 2023.
Stanek was a first-round pick by Tampa Bay in the 2013 draft. Over his career, he has a 17-17 record with a 3.65 ERA and 11 saves in 401 major league games, playing for the Rays, Miami, and Houston.