Marlins Pursue Pete Fairbanks Amid Trade Rumors

The Miami Marlins are showing interest in right-hander Pete Fairbanks, according to a report from Kevin Barral and Isaac Azout of Fish on First. Fairbanks, who turns 32 next month, has a history with Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix from their time together in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

A ninth-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2015, Fairbanks made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2019 but was traded to the Rays for prospect Nick Solak after just eight appearances. His rookie season was marked by a 6.86 ERA and a 5.07 FIP over 21 innings, but he emerged as a reliable reliever during the shortened 2020 season, posting a 2.70 ERA and a striking 33.3% strikeout rate in 27 appearances.

From 2021 to 2022, Fairbanks solidified his role, achieving a 2.70 ERA with a 35.2% strikeout rate and collecting 13 saves. For the 2023 season, he was named the Rays' closer, delivering a solid 2.98 ERA and a 3.31 FIP across 151 innings, along with 75 saves.

However, his peripheral numbers have raised some concerns; his strikeout rate has decreased to 27.9% from the previous high, and his average fastball velocity has dropped from 99 mph to 97.3 mph this season.

These factors led the Rays to decline Fairbanks' $11 million team option for the 2026 season, indicating their concerns about his future performance. Since becoming a free agent, Fairbanks has attracted interest from several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, as they look to strengthen their bullpens.

Alongside the Marlins, other teams like the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees are also in the market for relief pitchers. The Marlins face stiff competition from these larger market teams, but the emergence of alternatives like Edwin Diaz, Robert Suarez, and Ryan Helsley could allow Fairbanks to be available for a more favorable price.

While Marlins are also interested in Devin Williams, who is projected to command a four-year, $68 million contract, Fairbanks is expected to sign a two-year deal worth around $18 million, which is more in line with the Marlins' budget.

This pursuit of Fairbanks signifies the Marlins' commitment to enhancing their roster and addressing their bullpen needs as they prepare for the upcoming season.