The St. Louis Cardinals must decide on right-hander Ryne Stanek's $6 million club option, with the deadline approaching. The reliever joined the organization during the 2026 season and the front office now faces a roster decision that will shape their bullpen plans for 2027.
If the Cardinals exercise the option, Stanek will remain under contract for the 2027 season at the $6 million salary. Declining the option would make him a free agent, though the team could still pursue a new agreement. The decision represents an early test of St. Louis' offseason strategy as they evaluate pitching depth.
