Mets bolster bullpen with Stanek – Expectations for new relief pitcher high

The New York Mets have expanded their bullpen by adding Ryne Stanek, a former Astro. Stanek's acquisition comes just a few weeks after the transfer of Phil Maton. Both players had been on the Mets' wishlist since the winter. Stanek is known as one of the hardest throwers in the league. His four-seam fastball reaches an impressive 98 miles per hour. He skillfully combines this speed with a slider and splitter, using the slider primarily against right-handed batters and the splitter against left-handed batters. Despite a rather mixed season with Seattle, where he posted a 4.38 ERA in 39 innings, Stanek shows positive developments. His strikeout rate has increased compared to the previous season, while he has managed to control his walk rate over the past two years. Recently, however, he had a challenging phase with the Mariners, allowing seven runs over 6 2/3 innings. Stanek is expected to be used mainly in the sixth and seventh innings. This role is crucial for the recovery of the Mets' bullpen, which is currently weakened due to numerous injuries. Right-handed pitcher Dedniel Núñez was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday with a stress injury to the right pronator. According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, it is a minor injury, and Núñez's absence should be short. Another right-hander, Reed Garrett, also a late innings option, is also on the injured list. Garrett threw 10 pitches from the mound on Friday and plans to have a full bullpen session on Sunday. Additionally, the Mets are expecting the imminent return of Sean Reid-Foley, who might begin his rehab as early as Sunday. Stanek is owed roughly $1.3 million in salary through the end of the season. Additionally, he is eligible for bonuses totaling $750,000, depending on the number of his appearances and games finished. These payments will be prorated, meaning that if he continues his current performance, the Mets expect additional costs of around $164,000. On the other side of the deal is Thomas, who was drafted in the eleventh round out of USC in 2022. After a strong start at Double-A Binghamton, he made the jump to Triple-A Syracuse, where he posted an OPS of 0.663 in 49 games. Despite these performances, Thomas was not considered a top talent in the system.