MLB Offseason Updates: Pete Fairbanks, Cody Ponce and Free Agency

The MLB offseason has shifted from blockbuster trades to those value-driven moves that often decide pennant races. With Ryan Helsley now off the board, the spotlight swings to undervalued relievers like Pete Fairbanks, the international curiosity of Cody Ponce’s return from Korea, and a suddenly buzzing market for glove-first center fielders like Jake Meyers.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins are quietly reshaping their rosters and staffs. These changes could ripple throughout the 2025 season.

Pete Fairbanks Becomes the Top Closer on the Market

Once Ryan Helsley inked his two-year, $28 million deal with the Orioles, everything changed for relief pitching. Pete Fairbanks quickly became a priority target for contenders desperate for ninth-inning stability.

Blue Jays and Marlins Lead the Chase

The Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins are circling Fairbanks, but for pretty different reasons.

The Blue Jays, fresh off a massive seven-year commitment to Dylan Cease, are clearly all-in. Their next move? Locking down the late innings, and Fairbanks offers that rare combo of performance, familiarity, and cost control.

He’s earned a reputation as a Blue Jays killer, shutting down Toronto hitters with his power stuff and fearlessness in big moments. It’s not hard to see why they’d want him on their side for a change.

The Marlins, on the other hand, see Fairbanks as exactly the kind of budget-conscious upgrade that fits their model. They run a tight payroll and build around their rotation, so they need a closer who can actually convert slim leads into wins.

A Proven Closer at a Mid-Market Price Point

Fairbanks just wrapped up his third year as the Rays’ closer, posting a 2.83 ERA with 27 saves. Even with those numbers, the Rays declined his $11 million option—classic Tampa Bay, always cutting costs.

That move drops Fairbanks into a sweet spot:

Teams looking for late-inning security without nine-figure commitments now see Fairbanks as one of the most logical options out there.

Cody Ponce Returns From Korea as a Surprise Big-Ticket Arm

While Fairbanks headlines the relief market, Cody Ponce is quietly turning into one of the offseason’s most intriguing pitching stories. He started as an under-the-radar bargain, but now his price is rising fast.

From KBO Dominance to MLB Payday

Ponce returns from Korea with a resume that’s forcing front offices to re-evaluate his ceiling. In the KBO, he put up a 1.89 ERA and racked up 252 strikeouts—those numbers are hard to ignore.

Word is, Ponce is looking at a three-year deal north of $30 million. That’s a big jump from where folks pegged him earlier in the winter.

A contract like that lands him in the mid-rotation tier. At least a few teams seem convinced his KBO success can carry over against MLB hitters.

Jake Meyers and the Suddenly Hot Center Field Market

This offseason, there’s a real scarcity of quality center fielders. That’s made Jake Meyers of the Houston Astros a name to watch.

A Defense-First Option Drawing Contender Interest

Meyers has always been a plus defender, able to cover big gaps and anchor an outfield. Lately, he’s started to show some offensive improvement, enough for teams to see him as more than a glove-only guy.

With that skill set, Meyers has drawn interest from clubs searching for an affordable, controllable center fielder:

Houston sounds open to moving Meyers, but they’re not giving him away. The Astros want a controllable major-league starter in return, using their outfield depth as a trade chip.

There’s still some skepticism about whether Meyers’ offense will stick, but in such a thin market, he’s got real value.

Rays Consider a Brandon Lowe Trade and Face a Second Base Void

The Rays aren’t just tinkering with their bullpen; they might be retooling their infield, too. Second baseman Brandon Lowe is popping up as a trade candidate heading into the final year of his contract.

Lowe’s Market and Tampa Bay’s Dilemma

Lowe is set to earn $11.5 million in the last year of his deal. Teams like the:

have already checked in.

For those clubs, Lowe offers left-handed power at a premium position. If he stays healthy and consistent, he could provide some middle-of-the-order punch.

Trading Lowe would create a big hole at second base for Tampa Bay. The Rays don’t really have a clear internal replacement ready to step in every day.

If they deal Lowe, they’d almost certainly need to make another move—maybe another trade—to fill that gap. It’s classic Rays: move a player a year early rather than a year late, but only if the math works out for them.

Marlins’ Coaching Exodus Slows Their Offseason Splash

The Miami Marlins just finished a season where their win total climbed, but their front office and dugout haven’t exactly been stable.

Staff Turnover Keeps November Quiet

Miami has lost three key coaches to other organizations. That wave of departures has made for a pretty quiet November on the player front.

Fans usually focus on roster moves, but coaching upheaval can really slow down decision-making. It’s tough to make aggressive moves when you’re still figuring out who’s running the show.

Still, with the Marlins hovering near contention in a division loaded with stars, they could circle back into the Fairbanks market or chase other undervalued arms once their staff situation settles down.

An Offseason Defined by Value, Scarcity, and Flexibility

As winter drags on, something’s becoming obvious: teams want value over splash. They’re after:

This offseason isn’t about chasing superstars. It’s more about smart spending, matchups, and building a roster that actually fits together.

 
Here is the source article for this story: What we’re hearing about the MLB offseason: Pete Fairbanks, Cody Ponce and more