Stanek is expected to have his one-year option declined by the Cardinals, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Stanek appears to be set to become a free agent ahead of the 2027 campaign. The right-handed relief pitcher compiled a 4.02 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 65 strikeouts while recording 26 holds and two saves over 62.2 innings in 70 appearances with St. Louis during the 2026 regular season.