The Tampa Bay Rays had only one player from their Major League roster who was guaranteed to hit free agency when the 2025 season ended: starting pitcher Adrian Houser.
But that number grew to two when they shockingly decided not to pick up the club option on closer Pete Fairbanks. Instead of guaranteeing him $11 million for the 2026 campaign, they paid a $1 million buyout, making him a free agent.
Interest in Fairbanks is expected to be high. Some of the Rays’ American League East rivals, such as the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, have been connected to him.
As has this year’s World Series participants. Another AL East team, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. All of them need help at the back end of the bullpen, which Fairbanks would address.
Pete Fairbanks predicted to sign for $18 million