The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching on July 31 and figures to center around relief pitching, with Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks among the players who could be on the move.
At 53-50, the Rays find themselves only 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot in the American League and theoretically should be looking to make additions to their roster. However, they operate differently than most clubs and could decide to sell off a few players as well.
Fairbanks is in the midst of another excellent season as he has gone 4-3 with a 2.84 ERA, 2.93 FIP, 1.13 WHIP and 17 saves in 38 innings pitched across 39 appearances.
While the right-hander would be attractive to other contenders, the Rays reportedly prefer to keep Fairbanks rather than trade him at the July 31 deadline, via Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic:
While it’s unclear to which degree the Rays would buy, league sources say the club would strongly prefer to hold on to closer Pete Fairbanks, regardless of the direction they take.
Fairbanks has been with the Rays since 2019 and is one of their most successful relievers in recent memory. His 80 career saves rank fourth in franchise history behind only Roberto Hernandez (101), Alex Colomé (95) and Fernando Rodney (85).
In addition to his success, Fairbanks counts for just $4.15 million against the luxury tax threshold this season. The Rays hold a $7 million club option on Fairbanks for 2026 and typically tend to keep players who sign team-friendly contracts.
Dodgers among teams interested in Pete Fairbanks
It was previously reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers were among the teams looking into a potential Fairbanks trade.
The Dodgers and Rays have lined up on several deals over the years, perhaps in part due to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman’s history with both teams, and that could again be something to monitor this month.
In the event Fairbanks stays with the Rays or is traded elsewhere, the Dodgers could pivot to another high-end reliever they have been linked to such as Cleveland Guardians All-Star Emmanuel Clase or the Baltimore Orioles’ Félix Bautista.
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