Relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Marlins show willingness to spend by adding RP Pete Fairbanks

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Dec 24, 2025 1:28 PM ET

The Miami Marlins had their second straight losing season in 2025 (79-83) and will look to improve in 2026 with former Cy Young Award Winner Sandy Alcantara (2022) being another year removed from Tommy John Surgery.

To help take that step forward, the Marlins are finalizing a deal with right-handed reliever Pete Fairbanks, who will give a boost to the backend of their bullpen. The Marlins had a bottom-10 bullpen in 2025 (22nd, 4.28 ERA) and were 17th in saves (40).

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal is worth $13 million and is one year. Fairbanks got a pay raise of $2 million after the Tampa Bay Rays declined a $11 million club option.

Fairbanks went 4-5 with a 2.83 ERA in 61 appearances, recording 27 saves and striking out 59 batters in 60.1 innings.

Reliever Pete Fairbanks and the Miami Marlins are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Fairbanks, 32, had an $11 million option turned down by Tampa Bay and went onto the open market and beat it by $2 million. @WillSammon was first on the deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 24, 2025

Pete Fairbanks' signing with the Marlins allows him to re-establish his market and gives them a valuable trade piece

After coming off his fifth straight season in which he had a below 3.60 ERA, Fairbanks should have received a multi-year contract like his counterparts Devin Williams (three years, $51 million) and Edwin Diaz (three years, $69 million) got, but signing a one-year deal with the Marlins will allow him to re-establish his market. Another reason Fairbanks did not receive a multi-year deal could be that he was never named an All-Star, whereas Williams (two-time) and Diaz (three-time) have.

Adding Fairbanks gives the Marlins one of the game's best backend relievers, which will be valuable for them when next season's trade deadline looms. Having talent on the roster, particularly in their pitching staff with Alcantara (two years, $38.3 million), RHP Edward Cabrera (arbitration) and RHP Eury Perez (pre-arbitration), the Marlins will be sellers once again at the deadline, barring a miracle. Fairbanks will give them another valuable piece to trade, helping their rebuilding efforts.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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