Despite a recent run of success, the Rays are always looking to trim payroll in exchange for prospects, as they are some of the best at scouting and developing talent, particularly pitchers. That makes trading with them difficult, but there is a reliever on their roster that could pique the Braves’ interest.
MLB insider Jon Morosi recently reported that teams are showing interest in Rays pitchers Jeffrey Springs (LHP) and Pete Fairbanks (RHP). While both trade targets could intrigue the Braves, this piece focuses on Fairbanks and why he might be an ideal addition to Atlanta’s bullpen.
The hard-throwing right-hander has two years remaining of team control. He is owed just $3.667 million this season and has a $7 million club option for 2026. Even for the Rays, that’s a more than palatable price point for a player who has served as the team’s closer over the last two seasons. However, for a couple of reasons, Tampa Bay could view this as an opportunity to cash in on their investment and continue to look towards the future.
The AL East remains one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Yankees are fresh off a World Series berth and poised to spend aggressively. The Orioles are a rising powerhouse with room for significant offseason improvements. Meanwhile, the Red Sox and Blue Jays are also positioning themselves for contention, backed by considerable resources.
In this landscape, the Rays might find themselves outside the playoff picture in 2025. This reduces their immediate need for an elite closer and creates an opportunity to trade Fairbanks for future considerations.
Fairbanks has also had his share of injury troubles, which have impacted both his availability and performance. Last season, he posted a 3.57 ERA with an 8.7 K/9 across 46 appearances. The 8.7 K/9 was the worst mark of his career, partly due to a decline in velocity—his fastball averaged 97.4 mph in 2024, nearly two mph lower than his peak.
Still, the upside and palatable contract will attract a lot of competing teams. Pete Fairbanks owns a 2.79 ERA, 2.70 FIP, and 141 ERA+ dating back to 2020. He’s the perfect candidate to add to the Braves bullpen in Joe Jimenez‘s absence if the price is right.
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Photo: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
