The Free Agents: Ryne Stanek

Part 4 - A look at the Astros free agents to be

Nov 02, 2023

Panic Stanek

As mentioned in the post on Hector Neris, my son has nicknames for most of the bullpen. Unfortunately, Ryne’s surname rhymes with panic.

Also unfortunate for Stanek, his career year came in 2022 when the Missouri native recorded a 1.15 ERA with 20 shutdowns and 6 meltdowns.

In fairness, 2022 earned Stanek a bump from $2.1 million to $3.6 million in 2023, so he was rewarded.

Other than his fastball velo (96th percentile), and some advanced pitching numbers (Stuff+ 131, Location+ 99, Pitching+ 107) Stanek’s numbers don’t stand out, including a 9.9% BB (12.0% for career).

There are plenty of warning signs in Stanek’s peripherals: xISO 33rd percentile, Exit Velocity 20th percentile, HardHit% 13th percentile, and BB% 28th percentile.

The Verdict

Given that Stanek, who turns 33 in July, will want a raise over the $3.6 million he made in 2023, I find it hard to believe he returns to Houston.

It’s great to have velocity out of your bullpen, especially when a strikeout is needed. But Stanek, both in 2023 and over the course of his career, has been mediocre.

A 96th-percentile fastball somehow resulted in a 53rd-percentile K% and 28th-percentile BB%.

The Velo is intriguing, the Stuff+ and Pitching+ numbers are good, but that hasn’t translated.

Almost every other number suggests the Astros should move on.

Read about other Astros free agents: