STANEK SENT TO THE METS
The New York Mets acquired pitcher Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Rhylan Thomas.
What does it give the New York Mets
Stanek is the second reliever the Mets have acquired to bolster their bullpen this season, following the acquisition of Phil Maton. Expect Stanek to fill a similar role as Maton–seventh or eighth inning situations setting up for Edwin Diaz. Stanek has pitched in the same role all year with the Mariners, picking up seven saves along the way. He will help fortify a Mets 'pen for their wild-card push, after it had been decimated by injuries earlier in '24.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
This trade seems a little puzzling for Seattle. Instead of pairing Stanek with Yimi Garcia (acquired earlier in the day), they traded him for a player who will not likely make an impact in MLB this season. Maybe it was for financial reasons, or maybe it was to free up a 40-man roster spot, but it seems like there could have been a better solution here. Thomas can play all three outfield positions, and will add depth in the upper minors.
Fantasy impact
This trade could help Stanek maintain his fantasy value. He was likely going to lose high-leverage opportunities in Seattle, but he might regain now that he is in New York. He is not a must-own reliever, but his high strikeout rate and hold opportunities make him a good backup option. Thomas is likely to spend the rest of the season in the minors, so he has no immediate fantasy value. He might be on the keeper radar, though.
