One of the reasons that the Atlanta Braves missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017 this past season was that they finished 22nd in baseball with a 4.36 team ERA. However, they've addressed the pitching staff this offseason by signing closer Robert Suarez (40 saves in 2025) and southpaw Danny Young (4.32 ERA).

However, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter thinks that Atlanta should also get right-hander Ryne Stanek.

"Despite a disappointing 76-86 finish in 2025, the Braves currently have one of the most complete rosters in baseball on paper, and more room for in-house improvement than perhaps any other team," he wrote on Monday. "They have already re-signed Raisel Iglesias and brought aboard Robert Suárez, but there is room for further improvement for a bullpen that ranked 19th in the majors with a 4.19 ERA and had 21 blown saves."

"Logical Target: RHP Ryne Stanek," he continued.

Stanek went 4-6 with a 5.30 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 65 outings for the New York Mets this past season. The former Arkansas Razorback also had three saves out of nine opportunities.

Stanek also struggled in 2024, recording a 4.88 ERA over 63 combined games for the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets. The veteran hasn't had a sub-4.00 ERA since 2022, when he logged a 1.15 ERA over 59 appearances for the Houston Astros. He also tossed three scoreless innings in the playoffs, contributing to the Astros' championship run.

Would bringing in Stanek make sense for Atlanta?

Ryne Stanek Possible Low-Risk, High-Reward Option

While banking on Stanek returning to form after two straight down seasons is a gamble, his market value is just one year, $3.9 million, per Spotrac. Signing him to a deal in that range would not hamper the Braves financially, and he at least has several years of quality pitching under his belt.

The Tampa Bay Rays drafted Stanek No. 29 overall in 2013 and he made his big-league debut with the club in 2017. He posted a 5.85 ERA over 21 appearances that year, but notched a 2.98 ERA over 59 games (29 starts) in 2018.

Stanek is 21-23 with a 3.85 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 466 career appearances (56 starts). He also has 89 holds and 14 saves out of 36 chances.

Stanek's experience as a starter, middle reliever, setup man, and closer gives him a Swiss Army Knife-type profile. If he struggled after Atlanta brought him in on a cheap deal, Atlanta could simply cut him midseason. However, he could be a useful asset if he gets his 2022 mojo back.