As Trade Deadline Looms, Rays Lean Toward Keeping Pete Fairbanks Despite Heavy Interest
With the July 31 MLB trade deadline fast approaching, relievers are expected to dominate the conversation—and Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has quietly become one of the most coveted names on the board. But while rival teams are circling, Tampa Bay may not be ready to part ways with their bullpen ace just yet.
Currently sitting at 53-50 and just 1.5 games out of an American League Wild Card spot, the Rays are perched in that familiar gray zone between buying and selling. In theory, a team so close to postseason contention would be looking to strengthen its roster. But the Rays don’t always follow the league’s playbook. They’ve never been afraid to sell high—even while staying in the playoff hunt.
Fairbanks, however, might be the exception.
The hard-throwing right-hander is once again putting up elite numbers in 2024: a 4-3 record, 2.84 ERA, 2.93 FIP, 1.13 WHIP, and 17 saves over 38 innings in 39 appearances. His presence on the mound has become one of the most reliable weapons in Tampa Bay’s arsenal, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by contenders seeking to shore up late-inning relief.
Despite growing trade buzz, league sources have told The Athletic‘s Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo that the Rays are strongly inclined to hold onto Fairbanks, no matter which direction they take at the deadline:
“While it’s unclear to which degree the Rays would buy, league sources say the club would strongly prefer to hold on to closer Pete Fairbanks, regardless of the direction they take.”
It’s not hard to see why. Since joining the team in 2019, Fairbanks has quietly become one of the most dominant closers in franchise history. His 80 career saves now rank fourth all-time for the Rays, trailing only Roberto Hernandez (101), Alex Colomé (95), and Fernando Rodney (85).
What’s more, Fairbanks remains an incredible value. He’s earning just $4.15 million this season—well below market value for a high-leverage closer—and the Rays hold a $7 million club option on him for the 2026 season. For a team that thrives on budget efficiency, it’s the kind of contract they’re far more likely to keep than move.
That hasn’t stopped the phone from ringing.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams known to have expressed interest in Fairbanks, eyeing him as a potential anchor for their bullpen heading into the stretch run. The Dodgers and Rays have a long history of trade collaboration, dating back to Andrew Friedman’s tenure in Tampa Bay and extending through recent deals that reflect mutual respect between the front offices.
Whether this is another chapter in that partnership remains to be seen. If Tampa Bay sticks to its guns and retains Fairbanks, the Dodgers may redirect their focus to other top-tier relievers. Names like Cleveland Guardians All-Star Emmanuel Clase or Baltimore Orioles flamethrower Félix Bautista are still on the radar for L.A.
As the clock ticks toward the deadline, the Rays appear to be standing firm with their closer. But with high-end bullpen arms in short supply and championship-caliber teams desperate for help, don’t expect the Fairbanks speculation to cool off anytime soon.