With fewer than two days remaining before the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to finalize any transactions despite ongoing speculation. The team is focused on strengthening its bullpen, with manager Dave Roberts emphasizing a need for a right-handed reliever capable of pitching in critical moments. Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays remains one of the primary candidates linked to the Dodgers.
Profile of Pete Fairbanks and His Suitability for the Dodgers
Pete Fairbanks, who serves as the Rays’ current closer, offers experience pitching in high-pressure situations, a quality the Dodgers value. Over his career, Fairbanks has compiled a 3.20 ERA, a 2.89 FIP, and a WHIP of 1.19, while striking out nearly 30 percent of batters faced. Although his strikeout rate has dipped to 20.2% this season, he continues to maintain a strong 2.75 ERA and has allowed only one home run in 39.1 innings. These statistics underscore his effectiveness and further explain why the Dodgers have expressed interest in him.
Competition and Uncertainty Surrounding a Potential Trade
According to sources cited by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers have Fairbanks on their radar but are not close to securing a deal.
“A name that’s on the Dodgers’ radar, per league sources: Tampa Bay Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks. It doesn’t appear a deal is anywhere near close and there are a ton of suitors for the reliever’s services, but Fairbanks fits a type,”
Ardaya reports. The reliever‘s service is attracting significant attention, which complicates efforts by any one team to finalize an acquisition.
Rays’ Position on Moving Fairbanks Remains Unclear
The Rays’ stance on trading Fairbanks is uncertain, as the team remains just 2.5 games outside a Wild Card spot entering Tuesday. Tampa Bay has demonstrated a flexible approach during deadline week, recently trading catcher Danny Jansen to the Milwaukee Brewers while also acquiring Nick Fortes from the Miami Marlins. Reports suggest the Rays prefer to retain Fairbanks, who is under a team-friendly contract this year with a $7 million option for 2026, making him a valuable asset should the Rays continue their playoff push.
Potential Impact and What to Watch Next
The Dodgers’ pursuit of Pete Fairbanks highlights their urgency to bolster the bullpen with a reliable right-hander who fits specific leverage roles. With the trade deadline imminent, the outcome depends on the Dodgers’ ability to outmaneuver other interested teams amid the Rays’ hesitancy to part with their closer. The next 48 hours will be crucial as Los Angeles balances the need to improve their roster for a playoff run against a highly competitive market for bullpen help.