Ryan Stanek’s inconsistency is one of the many reasons David Stearns and New York Mets will be fully in the market for bullpen help at the trade deadline. Stanek holds a 4.55 ERA in 37 games with a -0.6 WAR. Stanek was one of the Mets best bullpen pieces in the postseason but has rarely been able to find that form in his second season in Queens.
When the Mets chose to re-sign Stanek in late January it unofficially marked the end of Phil Maton’s tenure with the team. Stearns brought in both Stanek and Maton late in the 2024 season but there was no immediate need to bring both relievers back for a second season.