The St. Louis Cardinals don't have many things to think about right now in the first few days of the offseason, but there is one option decision looming over the organization.

Ryne Stanek has a $6 million club option for the 2027 season. Now, of course, this shouldn't be considered very likely to be picked up. Stanek was good for the Cardinals in 2026, but he made $3.5 million. A raise up to $6 million certainly is unlikely for a rebuilding team and a 35-year-old relief pitcher.

Still, let's take a look at the decision from both sides and how it would change the Cardinals' offseason plans for the bullpen.

Picked Up

Sep 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryne Stanek (55) reacts after the third out of the ninth inning with the bases loaded against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Again, it would be a pretty big surprise to see the $6 million option be picked up.…