Marlins' Major Offseason Signing Underperforming

Fairbanks appeared poised to become Miami's anchor for a bullpen that finished 22nd in ERA (4.28) last season. His arrival became even more important following the news that breakout reliever Ronny Henriquez would be sidelined for all of 2026 after undergoing right elbow UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace procedure.

The 25-year-old was sensational in 2025, posting a 7-1 record with a 2.22 ERA while leading the Marlins with 69 appearances.

Heading into 2026, Miami was hoping Fairbanks could become its new workhorse out of the bullpen. However, he has massively underperformed thus far in a Marlins uniform.

Through 19 games this season, Fairbanks owns a 7.41 ERA and 1.53 WHIP across 17 innings of work. His walk rate has risen significantly from 7.4 percent in 2025 to 12.8 percent this season. After issuing just 18 walks all of last year, Fairbanks already has 10 through his first 19 appearances.

Additionally, his ground-ball rate has dropped dramatically from 45.8 percent last season to just 23.3 percent this season.

Yet Fairbanks' advanced metrics indicate some bad luck may also be in play. His 3.60 expected ERA and .189 expected batting average are overwhelming evidence of that.

While that may be the case, Fairbanks still needs to show improvement and avoid outings like the one he had Saturday against Tampa Bay.

Facing his former team, the 32-year-old entered the ninth inning with a 4-1 lead. That lead quickly shrank to just one run after a run-scoring wild pitch and an RBI single by Yandy Díaz. Fairbanks failed to finish the inning, recording just two outs while allowing two runs on two hits and three walks.

Fortunately for Miami, Tyler Zuber relieved Fairbanks and earned his first career save, striking out Junior Caminero with the bases loaded to preserve the 4-3 victory.

Nonetheless, Fairbanks' turnaround will be vital for a Marlins team that sits just 3.5 games out of the third National League Wild Card spot.

How Fairbanks performs leading up to the trade deadline will certainly be a storyline to watch. Relievers are always in demand at the deadline, and contenders will certainly check in on Fairbanks should Miami fall in the standings or make him available.

For now, the Marlins hope to remain in the thick of the playoff race while simultaneously seeing their prized offseason acquisition return to form.

The Marlins (31-35) have won five of their last six games and begin a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks tonight at 6:40 pm ET.