Tampa Bay Rays make bold move, part ways with closer Pete Fairbanks
The Tampa Bay Rays made headlines recently by opting to decline their club option on closer Pete Fairbanks for the 2026 season. Rather than committing to an $11 million salary, the team chose to pay a $1 million buyout, effectively making him a free agent. This decision raised eyebrows across the league, especially considering Fairbanks was viewed as one of the most coveted trade assets heading into the offseason.
Trade Value Concerns
Despite the initial perception of Fairbanks as a valuable trade chip, it appears the Rays’ assessment of his market value was less optimistic. Reports indicate that the team explored potential interest from other franchises but found no takers willing to absorb his projected salary. With the offseason still in its early stages, Tampa Bay opted for financial flexibility over the risk of carrying an expensive contract for a closer. The decision to let Fairbanks go opens doors for both the player and the team, as they look to reshape their rosters heading into the next season.
Mets enter the fray for Fairbanks
As Fairbanks hits the open market, interest in his services has surged, particularly from contending teams looking to bolster their bullpens. The New York Mets are already in discussions with the right-hander, as reported by various sources. Alongside Fairbanks, the Mets have been exploring options that include former San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez and ex-New York Yankees reliever Devin Williams.
With star closer Edwin Diaz also set to become a free agent, the Mets find themselves in a position where they need to fortify their bullpen. The team is eyeing several potential targets, including Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley, and Gregory Soto, all of whom are also available in free agency. Fairbanks, with his proven track record and relatively affordable projected contract, presents an enticing opportunity for the Mets as they seek to address multiple gaps in their roster.
Fairbanks’ impressive season
While Fairbanks may not boast the All-Star accolades of some of his counterparts, his performance in recent seasons speaks volumes. Coming off what could be considered the best year of his career, he showcased his durability by appearing in 61 games and logging 60.1 innings—both career highs. He recorded 27 saves while posting a solid 2.83 ERA and an impressive 145 ERA+. Although his strikeout rates have been noted as lower than might be expected—hovering around 8.7 and 8.8 over the last two seasons—his effectiveness in high-leverage situations cannot be understated.
As the Mets look to solidify their bullpen and compete in the National League East, Pete Fairbanks’ recent release from the Rays has positioned him as a key name to watch this offseason. The combination of his reliability and the financial flexibility he provides could make him a cornerstone piece in the Mets’ plans moving forward.
