Pete Fairbanks and Tampa Bay Rays Part Ways
With free agency officially underway, the market is starting to take shape. The Tampa Bay Rays and Pete Fairbanks have officially parted ways, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Where will the star closer end up?
Fairbanks Set To Hit Free Agency
Fairbanks was set to make $11 million next season, but the Rays declined his option. Now that he’s on the open market, he’ll make more than he was set to with Tampa in 2026. He pitched 60 innings, having a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. For teams looking for a reliable backend reliever, Fairbanks fits that role perfectly. Contending teams in need of bullpen help will look to Fairbanks as he immediately becomes one of the best arms available in a weak relief market.
His primary pitch is a fastball that sits in the upper 90s, and he added a cutter in the middle of the season that ended up being one of his best and most effective pitches. He did take a step back in 2025, and the Rays didn’t want to commit over $10 million to him next season. He was the closer for Tampa, but could be a perfect 8th inning guy if a team signed him with a closer already on the roster. A similar situation happened in The Bronx this past season with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
Entering his age-32 season, Fairbanks will most likely command a 2-3-year deal, with an annual value around $8.5 million. He falls right in line with guys like Williams, Ryan Helsley, and Robert Suarez. I expect him to go off the market quickly, as multiple contending teams will be after his services.
Potential Fits
The top fit for Fairbanks will be the Los Angeles Dodgers. They are set to be aggressive in the offseason once again, seeking a top reliever. I expect them to be one of the teams in on former Mets closer Edwin Diaz. Tanner Scott was an absolute disaster in his first season in Los Angeles and was a reason why they lost a handful of close games in the regular season. Manager Dave Roberts slotted Roki Sasaki in the closer role late into the season, where he was dominant, proving how valuable he was.
Other fits include two AL East teams, the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays struggled in the bullpen throughout the season, but tightened things up in the playoffs. Acquiring Fairbanks would give them a guy who can come into high-leverage situations, which is something they’ll need if they want to make another deep run in October.
As for the Yankees, adding arms will be their top priority this offseason. Their bullpen was atrocious, never finding a rhythm. With Williams and Weaver hitting the open market, Brian Cashman will need guys who throw high velocity and can attack the strike zone. We saw in the ALDS how their relievers folded under pressure, trying to get calls on the corners because they didn’t have the arsenal to attack guys in the zone.
