The St. Louis Cardinals have declined their contract option on right-handed pitcher Ryne Stanek, making him a free agent ahead of the 2027 season. The decision was announced on November 2, 2026, according to reporting by Andrew Willis of Last Word on Sports.
Stanek, 31, joined the Cardinals on a one-year deal with a club option for 2027. He appeared in 45 games during the 2026 season, posting a 3.72 ERA with 48 strikeouts over 41 innings. The Cardinals' decision to decline the option suggests they will look elsewhere for bullpen depth.
Stanek will now enter the open market where he is expected to draw interest from multiple teams seeking late-inning relief help.
