The Atlanta Braves could be among the contenders circling Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks this offseason, as the hard-throwing righty is expected to be one of the most coveted bullpen arms available on the trade market.
Fairbanks, 30, is coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which he set several career highs — including 61 appearances, 60.1 innings pitched, and 27 saves. He posted a 2.83 ERA and 59 strikeouts, anchoring Tampa Bay’s bullpen while showcasing the velocity and command that make him a legitimate late-inning weapon.
Rays may shop a valuable bullpen piece
According to league insiders, the Rays are expected to entertain offers for several arbitration-eligible relievers as they retool for 2026. Fairbanks, under control for one more season, could draw a particularly strong market given the limited pool of elite relievers in this year’s class.
Teams seeking a proven closer or setup man will be watching closely — and the Braves are likely to be among them.
Braves’ bullpen faces major uncertainty
Atlanta’s bullpen situation could shift dramatically this winter. Raisel Iglesias, who has notched 96 saves over the last three seasons, is now a free agent. His departure would leave a significant hole at the back end of the relief corps.
Joe Jiménez missed all of 2025 after undergoing knee surgery, and Pierce Johnson, while experienced, struggled with consistency (6.00 ERA during his stint as Colorado’s closer).
For a club intent on returning to contention as early as 2026, the Braves’ front office may see Fairbanks as a one-year stabilizer — a high-velocity, high-leverage reliever who brings both experience and edge to a young bullpen mix.
Why Fairbanks fits Atlanta’s plans
Fairbanks’ combination of power stuff and control would fit seamlessly into Brian Snitker’s late-inning structure, whether as a full-time closer or shared-duty setup option.
If the Rays decide to move him, Atlanta’s deep pool of mid-tier prospects and controllable big-league pieces could give Alex Anthopoulos a realistic shot at pulling off a deal — similar to how the Braves acquired Raisel Iglesias from the Angels in 2022.
With bullpen stability ranking near the top of Atlanta’s offseason priorities, expect Fairbanks’ name to surface often as trade talks develop.
