"That prime candidate is former Tampa Bay Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks, as he could potentially now be had at a bargain price. Fairbanks is an elite closer that has posted three consecutive seasons of 20 saves or more while maintaining a lifetime 3.19 ERA and a 30% strikeout rate during his seven seasons in the major leagues. In addition, he is hands-down the best closer remaining on the free agent market, so one would think there would be a huge bidding war for his services as a result."
"Well apparently, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic brought up key points in his recent article that could limit what Fairbanks is looking for. For one, Rosenthal suggested that seeing the 32-year-old veteran reliever still currently lingering in the free agent market further justified why the Rays failed to trade him this past season. In addition, he brought up the potential worry of Fairbanks' durability as prior to 2025, he had never pitched more than 45. 1 innings."
The Toronto Blue Jays have strengthened their starting staff with Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers and Dylan Cease but still need a dominant late-inning flamethrower for the bullpen. Pete Fairbanks stands out as an elite closer with three straight 20-save seasons, a career 3.19 ERA and a 30% strikeout rate over seven seasons. Fairbanks remains the top reliever on the free-agent market and could be obtainable at a bargain price. Durability concerns appear to limit his market, as he had never pitched more than 45. 1 innings prior to 2025, which may temper bidding.
Read at Jays Journal
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]