Ryne Stanek Signs with Cardinals

Ryne Stanek has signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.

Free-agent reliever Ryne Stanek and the St. Louis Cardinals are in agreement on a contract, according to sources familiar with the deal.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 10, 2026

Stanek posted a 5.30 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP across 65 games this season. His fastball averages 98.5 mph, but it was also the pitch opponents hit most effectively. Hitters recorded a .268 average and a .351 wOBA against his four-seam fastball, which accounted for much of his lack of success.

The Cardinals have had a relatively quiet offseason in terms of acquisitions, with their biggest moves being the trades of Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray. They entered the winter without major expectations, as the team is projected to rebuild over the next year or two.

Stanek has been a pitcher of interest for the Cubs over the past two years. Last offseason, he signed with the Mets for $4.5 million. This time, he joins the Cubs’ division rival in St. Louis. While the Cubs are not in desperate need of additional bullpen help, Stanek’s market was worth monitoring. Craig Counsell likely has room for just one more reliever, but there is no urgency to make that addition at this point in the winter.