Pete Fairbanks, Marlins Reportedly Agree To $13 Million Contract

Another valuable MLB reliever is off the board in free agency. According to multiple sources, including The Athletic’s Will Sammon, right-hander Pete Fairbanks has signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Marlins.

Pete Fairbanks has agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the Marlins, per source. @WillSammon was on it.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 24, 2025

Fairbanks delivered a strong performance in the 2025 MLB season for the Tampa Bay Rays, finishing with a 4-5 record, a 2.83 ERA, 59 strikeouts, a 1.04 WHIP, and 27 saves across 61 appearances. Despite some underlying concerns about his velocity and control, his surface numbers remained impressive, contributing to the Rays’ bullpen stability.

Over his career, Fairbanks, born in 1993 in Milwaukee, was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2015 and debuted in 2019. Traded to the Rays later that year, he evolved into a reliable closer, amassing 20 wins, 24 losses, a 3.19 ERA, 332 strikeouts, and 90 saves in seven seasons. His journey from starter to dominant reliever showcases his adaptability.

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

This move positions him as Miami’s potential closer for 2026, especially with Ronny Henriquez, who recently underwent Tommy John surgery, set to miss the entire 2026 season.