Pete Fairbanks will not be returning to the Tampa Bay Rays but will continue his career in Florida with the Miami Marlins. The 32-year-old right-handed relief pitcher has signed a one-year deal worth $13 million, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.
Fairbanks became a free agent after the Rays declined his $11 million option for the 2025 season, and he is expected to earn an extra $2 million on top of that. MLB.com noted that his contract includes a $1 million signing bonus and up to $1 million more in incentives tied to appearances, making him the highest-paid reliever in Marlins history, surpassing Heath Bell’s $9 million average from 2012 to 2014.
Originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2015, Fairbanks debuted in the majors with Texas in 2019 before being traded to Tampa Bay later that year. He played over six seasons with the Rays and served as their main closer from 2023 to 2025. During that period, he notched 75 saves, ranking 12th among relief pitchers over those three years according to The Athletic.
Fairbanks converted saves on 85.2% of his chances, boasting a 2.98 ERA, 171 strikeouts, and just 55 walks. His success is partly due to his powerful fastball, which averages around 97 mph, supported by his imposing 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame. He also relies on a dependable slider and has recently added a cutter to his pitching mix.
Injuries have been a recurring issue, as he was placed on the injured list seven times between 2021 and 2024, per The Athletic. However, he stayed healthy last season, pitching a career-high 60 1/3 innings in 61 games and recording a personal best 27 saves.
The Marlins recently revealed that their right-handed reliever Ronnie Enriquez will miss the next season after undergoing hybrid Tommy John surgery. Miami’s bullpen struggled last year, ranking 22nd in ERA (4.28) and 25th in strikeouts per nine innings (8.21).
While Fairbanks’ strikeout rate has declined slightly to 8.8 per nine innings in 2025, he is expected to strengthen the Marlins’ bullpen alongside right-handers Anthony Bender, Calvin Faucher, and Tyler Phillips.
Fan Take: This signing is a big win for Marlins fans eager to see a stronger bullpen, giving the team a much-needed boost in closing games successfully. Fairbanks’ move highlights how crucial reliable relief pitching is becoming in shaping competitive teams and the evolving strategy of modern baseball.
