The Rays “strongly prefer” to hold closer Pete Fairbanks, report Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic. Tampa Bay is one of many bubble teams, holding a 53-50 record that has them right on the edge of the Wild Card chase.
While the Rays are generally open to offers on almost everyone at any time, it’s understandable that they’re reluctant to deal Fairbanks this summer. They’ve had a middle-of-the-pack bullpen overall. They added to that group by acquiring Bryan Baker from the Orioles before the draft. At the same time, setup man Manuel Rodríguez will be out for an extended stretch with a forearm injury.
Garrett Cleavinger is an excellent left-hander, but they’re already short on high-leverage options from the right side. Even with Baker in the fold and Edwin Uceta racking up strikeouts this month, they’re better off acquiring another righty rather than trading one away. The Athletic reports that the Rays would indeed prioritize the bullpen if they buy in the next week.
The 31-year-old Fairbanks is operating as Kevin Cash’s primary closer for a third straight season. He’s 17-20 in save chances with a 2.84 earned run average across 38 innings. That comes with a career-low 20.3% strikeout rate that is cause for some alarm. The bottom line results nevertheless make Fairbanks one of their most trusted relievers.
Fairbanks is in the final guaranteed season of his three-year extension. He’s playing on an affordable $3.667MM salary. Fairbanks is guaranteed at least a $1MM buyout on a club option that is currently valued at $8MM but is likely to end up in eight figures by season’s end as he triggers escalators based on his appearances and games finished. That might be rich for Tampa Bay’s taste, but they’re under no financial pressure to move Fairbanks this season and could reevaluate their 2026 payroll situation once the offseason arrives.
Fancy way to say he’s for sale but “I know what I got, don’t low ball me.”
I think you hit the nail on the head. He’s definitely gonna be traded but trying to out pressure on teams who want him.
After tonight’s loss, I think it’s safe to say the Rays are going to be sellers at the deadline and only JC is not for sale.
Jesus Christ is never for sale.
Looks good on a poster tho.
JC is definitely for sale. I have seen the disgustingly phony “he gets you” BS on multiple inside the stadium ads.
That’s all it is, a sale of a silly story from 2000 years ago.
I don’t know I wouldn’t be surprised if a stupid team gives the kitchen sink for junior
I would be more surprised if the rays decline a kitchen sink offer
I suppose anything is possible with new ownership, but the Rays’ MO is to hoard pre-arb players, particularly those with above average talent. The Rays almost always have good Farm systems, so the loss of a player like JC cannot be made up by improving the Farm a little.
Incoming Rays fleece
Fairbanks will be dealt to the Cardinals in the offseason. Book it.
Why would the Rays wait until the offseason?
Because they aren’t sellers.
Would be nice to see them actually try and win the division.
With this team I don’t see it. Every team except the Orioles are competitive and I just don’t see the Rays keeping up this season.
It would be nice if there was no hunger in the world too.
The Rays have won only 6 games in their last 20 and just lost a series to the friggin White Sox at home. Season is O-V-E-R!!!!
Trade to Dodgers imminent…
What’s a stupid comment. We strongly prefer to keep a guy on our team. Okay, then keep him, no one’s forcing you to move him. But it’s the Rays and he’ll be moved.
Fairbanks issue isn’t velocity, he’s right there. It’s location. High at 98, slider low has been his game. His fastball Is more often center cut now leading to foul balls and batters looking slider and not swinging.
Meaning pay up no discounts.