Mariners Sign Rumored Cardinals Free-Agent Target To Bolster Bullpen

St. Louis continues to pass on worthy additions

The St. Louis Cardinals didn't hesitate to retool their pitching staff this winter after finishing last place in the National League Central in 2023.

With the additions of three proven starting pitchers along with relievers Andrew Kittredge and Kenyan Middleton, the Cardinals are hopefully in a better position to compete this upcoming season.

Some speculate that St. Louis needs more pitching depth but the club continues to stand firm and have passed on another opportunity to bolster their bullpen.

"Ryne Stanek has agreed to a deal with the (Seattle) Mariners, per source" MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported Friday.

Stanek posted a 3-1 record with a 4.09 ERA, 51-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .221 batting average against and a 1.24 WHIP in 50 2/3 innings pitched for the Houston Astros last season.

The St. Louis native has pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, and Astros throughout his seven-season career. There was some speculation that he could end up with the Cardinals as a seemingly perfect fit while the club aimed for affordable but impactful relievers. 

The 32-year-old has recorded a 3.45 ERA with a .210 batting average against and a 1.27 WHIP since making his Major League Baseball debut in 2017. He's been fairly consistent throughout his career -- posting above a 1.30 WHIP in only two of his seasons.

This missed chance to add depth to the pitching staff by signing Stanek can be added to the list of opportunities the Cardinals have passed on this offseason.

Hopefully, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak's confidence in the current roster will prove to be sufficient and we won't have to look back on this and wonder why we didn't make more efforts to bolster to bullpen.

More MLB: Cardinals Given Favorable Odds To Make Postseason Per MLB Insider