Report reveals Rays' stance on potentially trading Pete Fairbanks

The Rays “strongly prefer” to hold closer Pete Fairbanks, report Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic. Tampa Bay is one of many bubble teams, holding a 53-50 record that has them right on the edge of the wild-card chase.

While the Rays are generally open to offers on almost everyone at any time, it’s understandable that they’re reluctant to deal Fairbanks this summer. They’ve had a middle-of-the-pack bullpen overall. They added to that group by acquiring Bryan Baker from the Orioles before the draft. At the same time, setup man Manuel Rodríguez will be out for an extended stretch with a forearm injury.

Garrett Cleavinger is an excellent left-hander, but they’re already short on high-leverage options from the right side. Even with Baker in the fold and Edwin Uceta racking up strikeouts this month, they’re better off acquiring another righty rather than trading one away. The Athletic reports that the Rays would indeed prioritize the bullpen if they buy in the next week.

The 31-year-old Fairbanks is operating as Kevin Cash’s primary closer for a third straight season. He’s 17-20 in save chances with a 2.84 earned run average across 38 innings. That comes with a career-low 20.3% strikeout rate that is cause for some alarm. The bottom line results nevertheless make Fairbanks one of their most trusted relievers.

Fairbanks is in the final guaranteed season of his three-year extension. He’s playing on an affordable $3.667M salary. Fairbanks is guaranteed at least a $1M buyout on a club option that is currently valued at $8M but is likely to end up in eight figures by season’s end as he triggers escalators based on his appearances and games finished. That might be rich for Tampa Bay’s taste, but they’re under no financial pressure to move Fairbanks this season and could reevaluate their 2026 payroll situation once the offseason arrives.