Cardinals Decline Option On Ryne Stanek

Jun 28, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryne Stanek (55) throws in relief against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Andrew Willis, EditorIt was announced Sunday evening that the St. Louis Cardinals are declining the option on reliever Ryne Stanek. He had a $6 million option for 2027.Cardinals Decline Option On Ryne Stanek#stlcards are declining the team option on setup reliever Ryne Stanek’s contract, per source familiar with team’s decision.Stanek (RHP) becomes a free agent. He had a $6-million option for 2027. #Cardinals will go looking again for that veteran reliever (or two) like him.— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) November 1, 2026Stanek, 35, pitched in 70 games for the Cardinals last season. He posted a 2-3 record alongside a 4.02 ERA. He pitched well overall. He had some months where he struggled, like in August when he posted a 4.91 ERA. On the other hand, he had three months where his ERA was 2.00 or lower.Cardinals Make Decision On Only Free AgentRyne Stanek was the Cardinals’ only free agent this offseason. While the team likely considered picking up his option, they elected to not, which saves them $5 million (there was a $1 million buyout).Jul 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryne Stanek (55) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesWhat’s Next For the Cardinals?President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom will be looking to improve the bullpen for 2027. While there were plenty of bright spots, such as Riley O’Brien leading the league in saves, there were plenty of struggles. Bloom will likely look to sign a player or two similar to Stanek to solidify the bullpen.What’s Next For Ryne Stanek?Stanek pitched well enough in 2026 to have a job in 2027. A team looking to add a veteran righty can do with Stanek. Furthermore, they can do so at a reasonable price.Stanek will be on a MLB team in 2027. It is only a matter of which teams calls him.Main Photo: Tim Vizer- Imagn ImagesThe Last WordRyne Stanek provided the Cardinals with some effective innings. Given the shape of the bullpen as of now, and the possibility of an O’Brien trade, retaining Stanek would have made a great deal of sense.As it is, Bloom is choosing another direction. Teams can start signing free agents on Monday at 5:00 P.M. ET. The Cardinals’ bullpen could start taking shape rather quickly.Other MLB News and AnalysisShould the Cardinals Add An External Third Baseman?The Yankees Need to Prioritize Retaining David BednarReport: Padres Decline Option on Nick Pivetta