Despite recent success, the Tampa Bay Rays remain consistent in their strategy of trimming payroll in exchange for prospects, leveraging their elite scouting and development system, especially with pitchers. This approach often makes trading with them challenging. However, one reliever on their roster might catch the Atlanta Braves’ attention.
MLB insider Jon Morosi recently highlighted that teams are showing interest in Rays pitchers Jeffrey Springs (LHP) and Pete Fairbanks (RHP). While both are compelling trade targets, Pete Fairbanks stands out as an intriguing addition to Atlanta’s bullpen, and here’s why.
Fairbanks, a hard-throwing right-hander, has two years of team control left. He is set to earn $3.667 million this season, with a $7 million club option for 2026—an affordable price for a closer who has been a key piece in the Rays’ bullpen over the past two seasons. However, Tampa Bay might view this as an opportunity to capitalize on Fairbanks’ value and continue building for the future.
The Rays’ willingness to entertain trade offers could be influenced by the competitive nature of the AL East, one of MLB’s most stacked divisions. The Yankees, fresh off a World Series appearance, are ready to spend aggressively. The Orioles are a young, rising powerhouse primed for significant offseason improvements, while the Red Sox and Blue Jays are also contenders with deep resources.
In this environment, the Rays might face an uphill battle to remain playoff contenders in 2025, lessening their immediate need for an elite closer. By trading Fairbanks, they could acquire assets to maintain their long-term competitiveness.
Fairbanks’ injury history and declining metrics may also factor into the Rays’ decision-making. In the 2024 season, he posted a 3.57 ERA with an 8.7 K/9 across 46 appearances—his lowest strikeout rate to date. Additionally, his fastball velocity dropped to an average of 97.4 mph, nearly two mph slower than his peak. These concerns could prompt Tampa Bay to sell high on him while his trade value remains strong.
Despite these issues, Fairbanks’ overall numbers since 2020 are impressive, boasting a 2.79 ERA, 2.70 FIP, and 141 ERA+. His track record and team-friendly contract will likely draw interest from multiple suitors, including the Braves, who could use a reliable bullpen arm in Joe Jiménez’s absence.
If the price is reasonable, Fairbanks would be a valuable addition to Atlanta’s bullpen, providing depth, experience, and a proven track record of closing out games under pressure.
