Former Mariners flamethrower signs with Mets after 2024 trade deadline departure

While the Mariners really have done nothing all offseason, the only major addition being Donovan Solano, they also haven't really lost much. The biggest departure this winter has been the decision to non-tender Josh Rojas (who ended signing a one-year deal with the White Sox).

Looking back at last offseason, it was much different. We saw the major additions of Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, Gregory Santos and Luke Raley, along with the massive salary dumps that involved Mitch Haniger and Eugenio Suarez.

One move late in the offseason (after learning of Matt Brash needing Tommy John) was the addition of Ryne Stanek. It seemed like a great move at the time. For a group that was constantly one or two moves short of really building a solid team, it seemed like their willingness to give Stanek his one-year, $4 million contract signaled a more aggressive team moving forward.

Fast forward to this offseason, and it's a completely different tune. The Mariners are sitting back, and instead of trying to get ahead of the market to solve their perennial offensive woes, everything has completely passed them over, leaving them with scraps to choose from.

Stanek, evidence of an offseason that gave Mariners fans hope, only to be shattered later in the year, was moved at the trade deadline in a (surprise surprise!) trade to clear money for the acquisition of Randy Arozarena. Stanek was an important piece for this bullpen after the loss of Brash and the delayed return of Santos. Though he wasn't the consistent arm that Servais hoped that they could rely on, he was still solid, throwing 39 innings with a 4.38 ERA and 10.2 K/9. Things got completely worse in New York when he added another 16 1/3 innings, but with an abysmal 6.06 ERA.

Well, Stanek and the Mets have decided to run it back, this time on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, plus another $500k in incentives (according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com). This is a good deal for Stanek after struggling in the second half and an overall average year. The Mets get a flame throwing, high strikeout righty to pair with former Mariners closer Edwin Diaz in Queens.

For once, Mariners fans are grateful the team didn't shell out money for an expenditure another team made.