Pete Fairbanks – Tampa Bay Rays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Pete Fairbanks stands out as one of baseball’s most reliable relief pitchers for the Tampa Bay Rays. The former Missouri Tigers standout battled through multiple Tommy John surgeries to carve out a successful major league career.

Fairbanks currently pulls in $3,666,666 per year from his three-year, $12 million contract with the Rays. That deal includes options that could bump the total up to $24.6 million over four seasons.

The hard-throwing right-hander didn’t always have financial security in his sights. After signing his current deal in January 2023, Fairbanks locked in his future and gave the Rays a steady bullpen anchor. The contract includes a club option for 2026, and that could really boost its value.

According to financial records, Fairbanks has built a net worth of about $13.7 million through his baseball career. His rise from college pitcher to high-leverage MLB reliever shows just how much teams value dominant late-inning arms.

The Rays’ decision to commit long-term to Fairbanks speaks volumes about their faith in his continued excellence on the mound.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Pete Fairbanks honed his baseball skills through childhood, high school, and college before making it to the pros. His journey from amateur player to professional reliever wasn’t easy, but his natural pitching talent always shined through.

Background and Family

Pete Fairbanks was born on December 16, 1993. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound reliever grew up in a supportive family that encouraged his early love of baseball.

We don’t know a ton publicly about his family, but it’s obvious they played a big role in his growth as an athlete. His size always hinted at some serious athletic upside.

That physical advantage would turn into a real asset on the mound, letting him generate the kind of fastball velocity that scouts drool over.

Growing up in Missouri, Fairbanks found his passion for baseball in local youth leagues and school teams. Even then, you could see the makings of a power pitcher.

High School Achievements

At Webster Groves High School in Missouri, Fairbanks quickly became a standout pitcher. His high school career included some eye-popping performances that put him on college scouts’ radar.

During his senior year, Fairbanks flat-out dominated local competition with his powerful arm. He picked up All-Conference and All-District honors for his pitching.

His high school stats made it clear he had both raw talent and a lot of room to grow. Fairbanks also attended showcase events that boosted his profile with college programs.

His velocity kept climbing throughout high school, which made him a legit prospect—even if he sometimes struggled with control. That issue would stick with him for a while.

College Baseball Highlights

Fairbanks attended the University of Missouri, where he kept developing his pitching against tougher competition. His college career had flashes of huge potential but also brought new challenges.

He pitched in the SEC, one of the best conferences in college baseball. That experience was huge for his growth, facing some of the nation’s top amateur hitters.

His college ERA showed promise, but it also reflected the ups and downs of a pitcher learning on the job. Injuries started to creep in during this period.

Fairbanks had to undergo Tommy John surgery in college—just the first of several injury hurdles he’d face. Even with the setbacks, scouts still saw that raw talent.

The Texas Rangers took a chance on him in the 9th round of the 2015 MLB Draft, betting that his upside outweighed the injury risks.

MLB Journey and Professional Career

Pete Fairbanks has walked a tough road in professional baseball, pushing through major obstacles to become one of the MLB’s most trusted relievers. His journey from draft pick to big-league bullpen mainstay is all about perseverance and a knack for high-velocity pitching.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Texas Rangers picked Pete Fairbanks in the 9th round (258th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Missouri. At 6’6″ with a big right arm, Fairbanks had shown flashes of promise in college—even if his results weren’t always consistent.

He started his pro career in the Rangers’ minor league system and wasted no time showing off his high-octane fastball. But injuries soon got in the way.

In 2017, Fairbanks tore his elbow ligament and needed Tommy John surgery—a tough blow for any pitcher. The recovery usually takes at least a year, sometimes more.

Things got even rougher when he needed a second Tommy John surgery. Not many pitchers go through that twice so early in their careers.

Minor League Development

After his second surgery, Fairbanks finally returned to the mound in 2019—and came back throwing harder than ever. His fastball suddenly sat in the high-90s and sometimes touched 100 mph.

That jump in velocity totally changed his prospect status with the Rangers. He tore through the minors that year, starting at High-A Down East and quickly moving up to Double-A Frisco.

2019 Minor League Stats (Pre-MLB Debut):

• High-A: 2.35 ERA, 13 appearances
• Double-A: 2.25 ERA, 7 appearances
• Combined: 36 strikeouts in 20.2 innings

Fairbanks overwhelmed hitters with his fastball-slider combo. His rapid rise didn’t go unnoticed, and scouts started pushing for his big-league call-up.

Major League Debut and Teams

Fairbanks made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers on June 9, 2019. After just eight outings, the Rangers traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays in July for infielder Nick Solak.

That trade turned out to be a career-changer for Fairbanks. The Rays’ pitching development system helped him unlock his best stuff.

He quickly became a key part of the Rays’ bullpen, known for his blistering fastball and nasty slider. The Rays’ analytics team worked with him on pitch selection and usage.

In Tampa Bay, he’s worked alongside guys like Yandy Díaz and has grown into a high-leverage reliever. The Rays showed their belief in him by signing him to a 3-year, $12 million contract, fully guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $4 million.

When the game’s on the line, Fairbanks is one of the first arms the Rays call on.

Injury History and Overcoming Adversity

Pete Fairbanks has dealt with more than his share of injuries, but he’s shown a rare kind of resilience to become one of baseball’s most effective relievers.

Tommy John Surgery and Recovery

Fairbanks’ career has been shaped by his battles with elbow injuries. He’s had to undergo two Tommy John surgeries—first in college at Missouri, then again in the Texas Rangers’ minor league system.

Each time, he faced a grueling 12-18 month rehab process. Fairbanks rebuilt his arm strength from scratch, working his way up from basic mobility to throwing at full speed.

A lot of pitchers never make it all the way back after just one Tommy John surgery. Fairbanks not only did it twice, but he came back throwing even harder, with his fastball velocity reaching the high-90s.

Other Significant Setbacks

Elbow surgeries weren’t his only hurdles. In 2021, while pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays, Fairbanks missed several weeks with a shoulder strain during a crucial stretch.

The next year, he strained his lat muscle and didn’t make his season debut until June. These soft tissue injuries required a different approach to rehab but tested his patience just as much.

Fairbanks has also dealt with:

• Finger numbness
• Back spasms
• General arm fatigue

These setbacks challenged his resolve, especially as he tried to lock down a bullpen spot. Each recovery forced him to patiently rebuild his mechanics.

Impact on Performance

Despite all the injuries, Fairbanks has turned into an elite reliever—maybe even because of the mental toughness those setbacks built. After coming back from surgeries, he often threw harder and with more movement.

The Rays clearly noticed. They signed him to a three-year, $12 million extension in January 2023, showing they trust him to keep delivering.

Statistically, Fairbanks improved after his second Tommy John surgery. His strikeout rates jumped, and when healthy, his ERA has ranked among the best in the bullpen.

He’s talked about how fighting through injuries gave him the mental edge he needs for high-pressure moments on the mound.

Contract Details and Financial Insights

Pete Fairbanks landed a valuable multi-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, giving him financial stability and giving the team control during their championship window. His contract fits the Rays’ strategy of smart bullpen spending.

Current Contract Structure

Fairbanks is playing under a 3-year, $12 million contract with the Rays, signed in January 2023. The deal is fully guaranteed through the 2025 season.

He earns an average of $4 million a year, and the contract includes a team option for 2026. That structure gives the Rays extra flexibility.

If the Rays pick up the 2026 option, it’s worth $7 million. The total could hit $24.6 million over four seasons if all options get exercised.

Salary Progression Over Years

Fairbanks’ salary holds steady at $3,666,666 a year for the 2023-2025 seasons—a nice bump from his pre-extension paychecks.

Before this deal, he was arbitration-eligible, and the numbers floated between $1.9 million and $1.5 million. The extension gave him a solid raise and real financial security.

Locking in the contract avoided the usual year-to-year arbitration battles. Both sides know what to expect through 2025, and if the Rays pick up that 2026 option, Fairbanks would earn his biggest single-season salary yet.

Luxury Tax Implications

Fairbanks’ contract comes with pretty modest luxury tax implications, averaging $4 million a year. Teams flirting with tax thresholds—like the Mets—see him as a valuable piece.

His salary has sparked trade interest among clubs wanting to beef up their bullpen without blowing up their tax situation. For a high-leverage reliever, that contract looks like solid value.

The Rays, always mindful of their budget, have set themselves up to benefit from Fairbanks’ performance or flip him at the deadline. Contenders facing tight payrolls probably find his luxury tax hit especially appealing.

Net Worth and Off-Field Ventures

Pete Fairbanks has found real financial stability through his MLB career, plus a mix of off-field business moves and personal interests. His portfolio stretches beyond just his baseball salary—endorsements and philanthropic efforts play a part too.

Estimated Net Worth in 2025

As of May 2025, people estimate Pete Fairbanks’s net worth at around $13.7 million. Most of that comes from his pro baseball earnings and some pretty smart financial choices.

His current deal with the Tampa Bay Rays matters a lot here. He signed a 3-year, $12 million contract in January 2023, which pays him about $3.67 million each year.

Unlike sluggers like Pete Alonso, Fairbanks doesn’t have the same earning power as a reliever. But his specialized skills in high-leverage spots have locked in his financial future.

Endorsements and Partnerships

Fairbanks tends to be picky about endorsement deals, preferring quality over quantity. His partners include:

• Baseball Equipment: Premium glove and pitching gear brands
• Regional Sponsorships: Tampa Bay businesses that like his local appeal
• Digital Content: Sometimes he posts sponsored baseball training content

He’s not the most visible player, but he’s built his brand on reliability and technical skill, not flash. Brands looking for authenticity seem to gravitate toward him.

He’s also invested in sports tech startups, especially those focused on pitching mechanics and recovery tools.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Fairbanks keeps his personal life mostly private, but he’s committed to giving back. He focuses his charity work on:

• Youth baseball in underserved communities
• Helping families facing chronic health issues
• Educational projects in Missouri

He pitched at the University of Missouri, and he still connects with college programs by hosting pitching clinics and mentoring up-and-coming players.

When he’s not on the mound, Fairbanks loves the outdoors. He spends off-seasons fishing and hiking, and he often uses those activities to talk about environmental awareness.

He prefers low-risk, long-term investments, both in business and life. That cautious approach shows up on and off the field.

Pitching Style, Statistics, and Legacy

Pete Fairbanks has become one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, thanks to a unique pitching style and some eye-popping stats. His mix of velocity and movement anchors the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen.

Pitch Arsenal and Approach

Fairbanks relies on a nasty fastball-slider combo. His four-seam fastball sits at 98-100 mph and jumps on hitters, making it tough to square up. He throws it about 60% of the time.

His slider, around 90 mph, breaks late and tunnels well with the fastball. This mix gives both righties and lefties a hard time.

At 6’6″ and 235 pounds, Fairbanks uses his size to create a steep angle. There’s a little hesitation in his delivery, which throws off hitters’ timing, but he still brings explosive arm speed.

Career Strikeout and Walk Rates

Fairbanks racks up strikeouts at an impressive clip, usually keeping his K/9 above 12.0. In 2022, he struck out 38 hitters in 24 innings—a wild 14.3 K/9—and finished with a ridiculous 1.13 ERA.

He’s worked on his command, and his walk rate has improved as he’s refined his mechanics.

Key Statistical Highlights:

• 2022 Season: 1.13 ERA, 38 Ks in 24 innings
• Career K/9: Always above 12.0
• WHIP: Trending down as command sharpens
• High-leverage situations: Among the best in MLB

Long-Term Impact and Reputation

Fairbanks has built a reputation as one of baseball’s best high-leverage relievers. He regularly misses bats when it matters most, and honestly, that’s made him a key part of the Rays’ bullpen strategy.

The Rays showed real faith in Fairbanks by signing him to a three-year, $12 million contract. He’ll stay with the team through 2025, and they even have a club option for 2026.

Younger pitchers look up to him—not just for his stats, but for his approach to throwing hard with real command. Fairbanks battled through some tough injuries, including more than one Tommy John surgery, which just makes his dominance feel even more remarkable.