"Pete Fairbanks is one player known to be on their radar. He's a logical fit as a proven closer who has ties to president of baseball operations Peter Bendix from their time in Tampa Bay. However, Isaac Azout and Kevin Barral of Fish On First wrote this week that Fairbanks' market is likely to push beyond Miami's comfort zone. Fairbanks hit free agency when the Rays bought out his $11MM club option."
"Fairbanks could command a two-year contract at a slightly lesser annual sum. His strikeout rates have dropped closer to league average over the past couple seasons, but he's coming off a 2.83 ERA with 27 saves across 60 1/3 innings. Fairbanks still sits above 97 MPH and got swinging strikes on nearly 13% of his offerings this year. He fits alongside the likes of Emilio Pagán and Kyle Finnegan, who commanded two-year contracts in the $19-20MM range."
"The Fish have yet to sign a free agent this offseason. They've shown interest in a few players who have wound up elsewhere, including a pair who are headed to Bendix's old team. Azout noted that the Marlins were involved in the market for swingman Steven Matz before he agreed to a two-year, $15MM contract with the Rays. Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported last week that the Marlins pursued Cedric Mullins prior to his $7MM deal to become Tampa Bay's new center fielder."
Miami targeted late-inning relief this offseason but has not signed a free agent, appearing to balk at rising bullpen prices. Pete Fairbanks is a logical fit as a closer with prior ties to Peter Bendix, but his expected market may exceed Miami's comfort after the Rays bought out his $11MM option. Fairbanks posted a 2.83 ERA with 27 saves in 60 1/3 innings, still touches 97+ MPH and generated near 13% swinging-strike rates, though strikeouts have trended toward league average. Miami showed interest in Steven Matz and Cedric Mullins, and Jakob Marsee is established in center field.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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