San Francisco – The 2022 World Series ring with the Astros highlights the importance of a strong bullpen for teams aiming for a championship.
That year, Stanek teamed up with Ryan Presley, Rafael Montero, Hector Neris, and Brian Abreu, forming a tough lineup for late-game situations.
“Success follows a proven formula,” Stanek remarked on Sunday after the Mets defeated the Giants 5-3 at Oracle Park. “Some teams have deep, talented bullpens with the skills to perform in the playoffs, manage tight games, and handle business the right way.”
Looking to the Mets, Stanek noted the recent trade acquisition of reliever Gregory Soto from the Orioles, who energized the bullpen just two days prior.
Soto, a left-handed pitcher with postseason experience from his time with the 2023 Phillies and the Orioles last year, brings a valuable option for high-pressure situations.
The Mets’ bullpen also includes Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett, Juascal Brazovan, and Stanek. Additionally, Brooks Laurie returned from Tommy John surgery shortly after the All-Star break, and he had no earned runs in his three appearances on Sunday.
Baseball business president David Stearns may still be exploring upgrades for the bullpen as the trade deadline approaches.
Stanek feels it’s essential to add another strong arm. “That’s how we succeed in October,” he stated. “A starter might go four or five innings, maybe six if they’re in a groove, but you want to keep things moving quickly to close out the game.”
After a challenging June, which saw injuries and extended outings put pressure on the bullpen, the unit has found its footing again.
Rayleigh and Jose Boto returned from injuries, stabilizing their performances with scoreless outings in 10 of their last 12 appearances leading up to Sunday.
“We believed the bullpen was solid from the start of the season,” Stanek commented. “Then the injuries hit, and we went through a tough stretch. It’s a combination of injuries and usage, all stressing us. But overall, I think we have a good group.”
With a 4.04 ERA in 41 appearances before Sunday’s game, Stanek ensured that manager Carlos Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner balanced the workload across the bullpen, avoiding overextending any individual players.
He also appreciated the organizational depth that allowed pitchers like Rico Garcia, Brandon Waddell, Jose Castillo, Austin Warren, and Chris Devenski to step up, effectively supporting the Mets.
“We depend on many players to keep us competitive, and they’ve all answered the call,” Stanek remarked. “It’s a testament to the depth and quality we have.”
Reflecting on the challenges of June, he added, “We were struggling for a couple of weeks, but the overall performance throughout the year has been strong, showcasing our depth and quality.”
