Toronto Blue Jays Make Sense for Rays’ Free Agent Pitcher

The Tampa Bay Rays might’ve just changed the American League bullpen market, and I doubt they even realized it. By letting closer Pete Fairbanks walk, they freed up some cash—but also tossed one of the best relief arms into free agency. If Fairbanks ends up with an AL East rival like the Toronto Blue Jays, that could sting.

The Rays’ Quiet Offseason and the Fairbanks Gamble

The Rays have stayed pretty quiet this offseason. They’ve stuck to their usual mix of tight budgets and small, targeted upgrades.

So far, their biggest move is bringing in outfielder Jake Fraley, a lefty bat who should help spark an outfield that’s leaned more on defense than offense for a while now.

But then there’s the Fairbanks call. Letting him go surprised a lot of folks around the league.

He’s been a steady late-inning option for them, and now he’s on the open market with no compensation coming back to Tampa Bay.

Why Tampa Bay Moved On

From the Rays’ side, it looks like a classic budget move. They’d rather spread that money around than tie it up in one reliever.

It’s risky, though. Fairbanks is now one of the top relief arms available, and he could easily shift the balance in a tight division—especially if he signs with a team they see a lot.

Blue Jays’ Bullpen Needs After an ALCS Run

The Toronto Blue Jays seem especially eager to pounce. After their ALCS win, they’re not hiding the fact that 2026 is all about chasing a title.

They know playoff games often come down to the bullpen. October’s pressure doesn’t leave room for shaky relief work.

The Jays already made a splash by grabbing starter Dylan Cease on a seven-year deal. Now, the bullpen is front and center.

The Ripple Effect of Baltimore’s Ryan Helsley Move

Things got even more urgent in Toronto after Baltimore picked up Ryan Helsley. The Orioles sent a message—they’re not just competing, they’re spending to stay ahead.

That move kicked off a real arms race in the AL East. The Blue Jays can’t just watch from the sidelines.

Adding someone like Fairbanks isn’t just about getting better. It’s also about keeping up with Baltimore’s bullpen upgrades.

Fairbanks as the Missing Piece in Toronto’s Bullpen

In 2025, the Jays rolled with Jeff Hoffman as their closer. He had his moments, but consistency wasn’t always there.

So, the door’s open for a steadier option. Fairbanks fits that bill. He’s got the experience and the nerves for high-pressure spots.

What Fairbanks Brings to the Table

He’s basically the blueprint for what a contender wants:

For Toronto, that kind of flexibility is huge. They could just hand him the closer job and move Hoffman to setup, or go with a matchup-heavy approach where both get ninth-inning chances based on who’s up.

Why the Blue Jays Are a Logical Favorite to Land Fairbanks

Looking at possible landing spots, Toronto just makes sense for Fairbanks. They check a lot of boxes.

Could the Rays Regret This Move?

If Fairbanks signs a multi-year deal in Toronto—and honestly, it looks like he might—the Rays’ decision to decline his option will get picked apart even more.

Letting a top-tier reliever walk with nothing in return is tough enough. If he ends up shutting them down a few times a year in a Blue Jays uniform, that quiet offseason call could haunt Tampa Bay for a while.

Right now, Pete Fairbanks has a wide-open market. The Blue Jays have the money and the need for a late-inning arm, so it’s easy to picture him heading north—and maybe tilting the AL East a bit more in their favor.

 
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