The Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen struggled heavily in 2025. They had the fourth-worst ERA in MLB (4.96) and were tied for the second-most blown saves (29).
So, it’s not surprising that AZCentral’s Nick Piecoro reported that the D-backs were interested in free agent reliever Pete Fairbanks.
Arizona is not expected to spend on top-of-the-market closers like Edwin Diaz or Robert Suarez, so a proven but potentially somewhat cheaper option like Fairbanks would make sense.
Fairbanks has also been linked to the Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.
In seven seasons, mostly spent with the Tampa Bay Rays, Fairbanks has posted a 3.19 ERA in 265 innings pitched.
While the Rays have had stretched using a closer by committee, Fairbanks settled into the more traditional ninth-inning role the past three seasons and accumulated 75 saves in that time.
Taking on the closer role also meant a higher workload, with Fairbanks pitching in 49, 46 and a career-high 61 games in across the three seasons.
He excelled with the additional appearances, posting a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 59 strikeouts in 2025. He was also tied for 13th in MLB with 27 saves.
The Diamondbacks’ bullpen was a revolving door last season, particularly in the ninth inning. An MLB record 17 pitchers recorded saves for Arizona in 2025.
Heading into the year, the late innings were going to Justin Martinez or A.J. Puk. however, both players are out of the running for the start 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
A couple similar relievers to Fairbanks who are available in free agency are Kyle Finnegan and Emilio Pagan, both of whom have ninth-inning experience.
