Red Sox In Trade For Star Reliever!

The Cubs and Red Sox have both expressed interest in securing the services of reliever Ryne Stanek, according to reports from Bob Nightengale of USA Today and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Stanek, at 32, is seen as a candidate for a comeback, having delivered a rather average performance with the Astros in the previous season. Across 50 2/3 innings, he posted a 4.09 ERA with a 23.9% strikeout rate, a slightly elevated 9.9% walk rate, and 1.42 home runs per nine innings.

While Stanek’s recent season categorizes him as a middle-of-the-road reliever, his pre-2023 performance and impressive velocity add an intriguing dimension. Two seasons ago, he boasted an exceptional 1.15 ERA over 54 2/3 innings. His overall production from 2018 to 2022 was solid, managing a 3.16 ERA and striking out more than 28% of opponents while playing for the Rays, Marlins, and Astros.

Stanek’s ability to recapture his earlier form is supported by his status as one of the hardest throwers in the game. Despite a decrease in his strikeout numbers last year, his fastball consistently exceeded 98 MPH, making him a challenging pitcher to face. Stanek recorded a swinging strike on 14.7% of his pitches, placing him among the top 50 relievers in MLB in that category (minimum 30 innings).

Considering Stanek’s age and his moderate performance in the previous season, it is expected that he would secure a deal of no more than two years. Both the Cubs and Red Sox find this aspect appealing. The Cubs, historically cautious in their bullpen investments, have not signed a reliever to a multi-year contract since their deal with Craig Kimbrel in the middle of the 2019 season. On the other hand, while the Red Sox have been more willing to invest in their bullpen, the financial constraints they are currently facing make a deal for Stanek feasible for both teams.

The Cubs may have a more pressing need to bolster their relief corps, with their bullpen led by Adbert Alzolay, Julian Merryweather, and Mark Leiter Jr. Although the group delivered roughly average results last season, it remains a potential weak point in an otherwise well-rounded roster. The Red Sox, equipped with effective veterans Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin at the back end, have options for the middle innings, making a deal for Stanek a strategic consideration for both teams.