Marlins Keeping Tabs on Bullpen Market, Eyeing Short-Term Relief Help
The Miami Marlins entered the offseason with a clear goal: upgrade the bullpen. But as December winds down, it’s their division rivals-the Braves, Mets, and Phillies-who’ve made the loudest moves, each locking in multiple relievers to big-league contracts. Meanwhile, the Marlins have stuck to the margins, handing out only minor league deals so far.
What’s holding them back? It seems Miami isn’t keen on multi-year commitments.
That conservative approach has kept them out of the running for the top-tier names, but there’s still value to be found-especially among veterans willing to sign short-term deals. One name to watch closely: Pete Fairbanks.
Fairbanks, despite a solid track record-3.19 career ERA and 90 saves-remains unsigned, largely due to his injury history. But the Marlins are still in the mix.
According to sources, Miami has made a strong one-year offer that exceeds the $11 million he was set to earn with Tampa Bay before his option was declined. Fairbanks would bring late-inning experience and swing-and-miss stuff to a bullpen that needs both.
Beyond Fairbanks, here are five more veteran arms the Marlins are reportedly monitoring-each with upside, and none likely to demand a long-term deal.
LHP Taylor Rogers
Rogers split 2025 between Cincinnati and Chicago, finishing with a 3.38 ERA over 50 ⅔ innings. But the wheels came off a bit after his midseason trade to the Cubs-his ERA ballooned to 5.09 in Chicago.
The culprit? A sharp spike in home runs.
His HR/FB rate jumped from 8.8% to 21.7% post-trade, suggesting Wrigley Field may not have been the best fit for his pitch profile.
Still, Rogers showed he can miss bats (9.41 K/9) and limit walks (4.09 BB/9), and he’s been a reliable lefty option for years. His twin brother, Tyler, already secured a three-year, $37 million deal with the Blue Jays. Taylor’s price tag should be more modest-and that could make him a fit for Miami’s cautious approach.
LHP Andrew Chafin
Chafin is the kind of bullpen piece that quietly helps teams win games. The 35-year-old lefty posted a 2.41 ERA and 9.62 K/9 across 33 ⅔ innings in 2025, splitting time between the Nationals and Angels. His slider remains a legitimate weapon, generating a 41% whiff rate, and his sinker keeps the ball on the ground.
He’s also a proven asset in high-leverage spots-particularly when entering with runners on base. That’s a skill not every reliever can claim.
Chafin has been dealt at each of the last three trade deadlines, and if the Marlins aren’t in contention next summer, he could once again become a valuable trade chip. In the meantime, he’d bring stability and veteran presence to a young bullpen.
RHP Hunter Harvey
Marlins fans might recognize the name-Hunter is the son of former Miami closer Bryan Harvey. The younger Harvey has had his share of injuries, and 2025 was no exception.
Limited to just 12 games due to a pair of muscle strains, he still managed to post a 0.00 ERA and a sparkling 1.35 FIP in those outings. His strikeout-to-walk numbers (9.28 K/9, 0.84 BB/9) were elite in that small sample.
Looking back to his 2024 campaign with Washington, Harvey logged 50 ⅔ innings with a 4.44 ERA and 9.77 K/9. He brings high-velocity heat and solid command-two traits that are tough to find in one package. If he’s healthy, he’s a sneaky-good addition with late-inning upside.
RHP Seranthony Domínguez
Domínguez brings postseason experience and a power arm to the table. He spent the bulk of his career with the Phillies before being moved to Toronto in 2024.
In 2025, he pitched 62 ⅔ innings with a 3.16 ERA and a whopping 11.35 K/9. He also featured prominently in Toronto’s playoff run, appearing in 12 of their 18 postseason games-including Game 7 of the World Series.
He’s been dominant at loanDepot park throughout his career, tossing 11 scoreless innings there. The issue?
Command. Domínguez walked too many hitters last season (5.17 BB/9) and threw 12 wild pitches.
That wild streak is likely what’s keeping teams from offering a multi-year deal. But if he can tighten things up in 2026, he’s a candidate to cash in next winter.
RHP Kirby Yates
Yates looked like a comeback story in 2024, posting a career-best 1.17 ERA over 61 ⅔ innings. But 2025 told a different story.
The veteran righty hit the injured list three times and saw his ERA spike to 5.23. His fastball and splitter-once elite-both regressed significantly, and he gave up a lot more hard contact.
Still, Yates struck out 11.32 batters per nine, showing he can still miss bats when he’s right. He’ll turn 39 just before Opening Day, so any deal would likely be short-term and incentive-laden. But if Miami is looking for a veteran presence with closing experience, Yates is worth a look.
The Bottom Line
The Marlins may be taking a patient approach to free agency, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing still. With several intriguing bullpen arms still on the market, there’s a real opportunity to add value without breaking the bank-or the timeline. Whether it’s Fairbanks, Chafin, or one of the other experienced relievers still available, Miami has a chance to quietly build a bullpen that can keep them competitive in late innings.
And if things don’t go their way in 2026? Many of these names could become valuable trade chips come July. Either way, the Marlins’ bullpen decisions in the coming weeks will say a lot about how they plan to navigate the season ahead.