The New York Mets, aiming to improve their struggling bullpen ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, acquired reliever Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners on Friday in exchange for minor-league outfielder Rhylan Thomas, the team announced.
This move came just hours after developments affecting both teams’ bullpens.
The Mariners needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster after trading for right-hander Yimi Garcia from the Toronto Blue Jays, one of the top available relievers.
Meanwhile, the Mets placed right-hander Dedniel Nunez, one of their top relievers, on the injured list with a right pronator strain, dealing a blow to a bullpen that has had the fourth-highest ERA in the majors since May 1.
While Stanek became expendable for Seattle, the Mets have been keen to upgrade their bullpen to support their postseason push.
Stanek, who turned 33 on Friday, posted a 4.38 ERA in 39 innings over a team-leading 46 appearances. He allowed four runs in one inning over his last three outings as a Mariner. He will become a free agent this winter after signing a one-year, $4 million deal with Seattle in March.
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.
An eight-year veteran, Stanek is the second reliever the Mets have acquired this month, following the trade for right-hander Phil Maton from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 9.
These moves show the front office’s commitment to strengthening a team that has surged into the National League Wild Card race. With the best record in the majors since June 1, the Mets entered Friday in the second Wild Card spot, just half a game behind the Atlanta Braves for the first slot.
Upgrading the bullpen could be crucial down the stretch. The team has until 6 p.m. ET to make additional trades.