"Tampa Bay's decision to decline an $11MM option on Fairbanks was a moderate surprise. He'd just wrapped up his healthiest season and has been a quality 'pen arm for Rays skipper dating back to 2020. Since that shortened season, the 31-year-old Fairbanks (32 in two weeks) sports a collective 2.87 ERA, 88 saves, 30 holds, 30.2% strikeout rate and 9.2% walk rate. That includes a 2.83 ERA and career-high 27 saves this past season (in a career-high 60 1/3 innings)."
"That said, Fairbanks comes with his share of red flags. Beyond turning 32 this month, he's seen his velocity, strikeout rate and swinging-strike rate all dip in recent seasons. He's averaged 97.3 mph on his heater in each of the past two seasons, which is still well above average but noticeably down from the pitch's peak average of 99 mph. Fairbanks set down nearly 35% of his opponents on strikes from 2020-23 but is at 24% over the past two years. He sat 15.1% with his swinging-strike rate from 2020-22 but is down to 11.3% in 2024-25 - roughly in line with the league average."
The relief market has been the most active area of free agency, with top targets moving quickly and numerous teams seeking late-inning help. Pete Fairbanks has drawn interest from multiple clubs after Tampa Bay declined his $11 million option despite a healthy, productive season. Since 2020 Fairbanks has posted a 2.87 ERA with 88 saves and solid peripheral rates, including a 30.2% strikeout rate and 9.2% walk rate. Recent trends show declines in velocity, strikeout rate and swinging-strike rate, and a notable injury history with six injured-list stints since 2021.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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