Marlins Agree To Terms With Pete Fairbanks For Reliever Depth

The Miami Marlins just made a pretty bold move to steady their bullpen. They’re reportedly bringing in veteran reliever Pete Fairbanks on a one-year, $13 million contract.

He’s coming over from the Tampa Bay Rays, where he closed out games in 2025 and built a reputation as one of the American League’s most reliable arms. Assuming he passes his physical, Fairbanks will likely take over the ninth-inning role right away in Miami.

Pete Fairbanks Joins Marlins on One-Year Deal

This deal is short-term and high-value, which makes sense given Fairbanks’ recent run and the way teams are valuing late-inning relievers these days. Miami gets a proven closer without tying themselves down long-term.

For Fairbanks, it’s a chance to show what he can do and maybe cash in again next year if things go well.

Contract Details: Salary, Bonuses, and Incentives

The one-year deal is reportedly worth $13 million and includes a few interesting financial perks:

Those incentives reward Fairbanks for staying healthy and taking the ball often—pretty important for a reliever expected to pitch in tight spots. The trade bonus stands out too; it’s a nod to the reality that if Miami struggles, Fairbanks could be a hot name at the deadline.

Why Leaving Tampa Bay Made Financial Sense

Fairbanks arrives in Miami after navigating a tricky financial situation with the Rays. Tampa Bay leaned on him during his breakout years but weren’t willing to pay the rising cost heading into 2026.

Club Option Declined and Buyout Paid

The Rays declined their $11 million club option for 2026 and paid him a $1 million buyout instead. By hitting free agency and signing with Miami, Fairbanks picks up $2 million more in guaranteed money than he would’ve gotten if Tampa Bay kept him on that option.

Fairbanks’ 2025 Performance: A Closer in Peak Form

Miami isn’t paying just for reputation—they’re banking on what Fairbanks did last year. He’s coming off a 2025 season that really cemented his place as a late-inning weapon.

Dominant Numbers with the Rays

In 2025, Fairbanks posted a 2.83 ERA across 60 1/3 innings with the Rays, usually facing the toughest hitters late in games. That fits the pattern he’s set since debuting in 2019.

Over seven seasons with Tampa Bay, he’s thrown 265 1/3 innings with a 3.19 ERA. Under the hood, his numbers show a guy who misses bats and limits damage with a well-crafted pitch mix.

Pitching Profile: Power Stuff Built for the Ninth Inning

The Marlins are betting on a skill set that should play anywhere, especially when the pressure’s on. Fairbanks brings a classic power reliever arsenal, but there’s some craftiness in how he works.

Velocity, Slider Usage, and Run Suppression

Here’s what stands out about Fairbanks:

That mix—power, a wipeout secondary pitch, strikeouts, and contact management—gives Miami a closer built to handle the chaos of late innings, especially in ballparks where one mistake can end the night.

Role in Miami: Stabilizing the Back End of the Bullpen

Fairbanks should immediately slot in as the Marlins’ primary closer. Miami’s cycled through plenty of late-inning options lately, so having a guy like Fairbanks brings some much-needed order—and maybe a little swagger—to their bullpen.

Short-Term Risk, High-Leverage Reward

From the Marlins’ standpoint, this is a classic one-year, win-now bullpen upgrade. If Fairbanks stays healthy and keeps pitching like he has, Miami gets a top-tier closer and maybe even a valuable trade chip.

If things go sideways, the financial hit only lasts for one season.

Pete Fairbanks now gets a shot to turn his strong run in Tampa Bay into a bigger role and a better salary. There’s also a chance for another big contract in the future.

The Marlins are making a calculated bet that high-octane relief pitching can help them close the gap in tight games throughout 2026. Is it risky? Sure—but sometimes that’s just how you win.

 
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