Diamondbacks target former Rays closer to bolster bullpen

According to Arizona Central’s Nick Piecoro, the Diamondbacks are in conversations to bring veteran reliever Pete Fairbanks to the Valley after the Rays declined his 2026 club option.

Fairbanks is coming off a strong 2025 season in Tampa Bay, appearing in 61 games and throwing 60.1 innings. He recorded 27 saves and posted a 2.83 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP. After Arizona lost multiple closers to injury during the season, Fairbanks could be the consistent, high-leverage arm the team desperately needs.

The D-backs need a closer and urgently. Injuries exposed how fragile the bullpen can be, especially when the club struggles to secure one-to-three-run leads. Fairbanks brings proven late-inning experience and could help turn those tight games into more manageable ones.

With several relievers and closers on the market this offseason, the Diamondbacks may need to act quickly. While teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly looked elsewhere, Fairbanks remains available. Arizona simply needs to make the most compelling offer.

With both the rotation and bullpen needing upgrades before the upcoming season, the Diamondbacks have an opportunity to add long-missing stability to their pitching staff and address the club’s most persistent roster issue over the last two years.