Marlins Sign Fairbanks to 1-Year, $13M Deal

The Miami Marlins bolstered their bullpen on Christmas Eve by agreeing to a one-year, $13 million contract with veteran reliever Pete Fairbanks, pending a physical examination. The 32-year-old right-hander, who spent the past six seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, becomes the latest addition to a Miami team seeking stability in late innings after losing closer Ronny Henriquez to season-ending elbow surgery.

Fairbanks, a Milwaukee native drafted by the Texas Rangers in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB Draft, debuted with Texas in 2019 before being traded to Tampa Bay that same year. He transitioned from a starting role to a reliable closer, signing a three-year, $12 million extension with the Rays in January 2023. Last month, Tampa Bay declined an $11 million club option for 2026, opting instead for a $1 million buyout. The move allowed Fairbanks to secure a raise in free agency while remaining in Florida.

In 2025, Fairbanks delivered a career-best performance for the Rays, posting a 4-5 record with a 2.83 earned-run average over 60 1/3 innings in 61 appearances. He notched 27 saves in 32 opportunities, striking out 59 batters while maintaining a 1.04 WHIP. His fastball averaged...