The Marlins just made their most significant free-agent splash in two years, landing veteran right-hander Peter Fairbanks on a one-year, $13 million deal-pending a physical. It’s a bold move that immediately reshapes the back end of Miami’s bullpen and signals that the front office is ready to invest in stability, especially in high-leverage innings.
Fairbanks, 32, brings with him a proven track record from his time with the Rays, where he racked up 27 saves in 32 chances last season while posting a 2.83 ERA over 61 appearances. He allowed 63 baserunners in 60 ⅓ innings and punched out 59 hitters-a solid mix of power and control that Miami’s bullpen has sorely lacked in recent years.
With this deal, Fairbanks becomes the Marlins’ second-highest-paid player, trailing only ace Sandy Alcantara. That speaks volumes about how much the club values his experience and late-inning presence. For a team that’s struggled to find a steady closer, this is their most established option in quite some time.
The connection between Fairbanks and Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix likely played a big role here. Bendix spent years with the Rays and knows exactly what Fairbanks brings to the table-both on the mound and in the clubhouse. That familiarity adds another layer of confidence to this signing, especially considering several other teams were reportedly in the mix for Fairbanks’ services.
Fairbanks doesn’t just bring a résumé-he brings heat. His fastball lives in the upper 90s, and he complements it with a hard, biting slider that’s been a go-to weapon throughout his career.
Over seven seasons in the bigs-all but a few months with Tampa Bay-he’s compiled 90 saves and a 2.98 ERA. That level of consistency, especially in the AL East, is no small feat.
This addition also comes at a critical time for the Marlins. The bullpen took a hit earlier this week when Ronny Henriquez was lost for the season after undergoing UCL surgery. With Fairbanks stepping in, Miami gets a proven ninth-inning arm to anchor a bullpen that includes Luke Bachar, Anthony Bender, Calvin Faucher, Andrew Nardi, Tyler Phillips, and potentially Josh White.
Fairbanks’ road to this moment hasn’t been without its hurdles. A Milwaukee native and University of Missouri product, he was drafted in the ninth round by the Rangers in 2015.
He’s battled back from two Tommy John surgeries-the second coming in 2017-and made his MLB debut with Texas in June 2019. A month later, he was traded to Tampa Bay for minor-league infielder Nick Solak, and the rest is history.
Just last offseason, Fairbanks signed a three-year, $12 million extension with the Rays, but Tampa Bay declined his $11 million option for 2025, paying a $1 million buyout instead. Now, he’ll earn $2 million more with Miami and step into a pivotal role for a team looking to build on recent momentum.
This marks the Marlins’ second free-agent pickup of the offseason, both of whom have ties to the Rays. Earlier, Miami signed Christopher Morel to a one-year, $2 million deal. Morel is expected to see time at first base-a position he hasn’t played before-which shows the club is willing to take some creative swings as they reshape the roster.
For Miami, the addition of Fairbanks isn’t just about saves-it’s about sending a message. They’re not content to tread water. With a proven closer now in the fold and more moves likely on the horizon, the Marlins are positioning themselves to compete, and Fairbanks could end up being one of the key pieces that helps them get there.