The Dodgers have shown clear interest in enhancing their pitching staff this summer, focusing notably on acquiring a right-handed reliever. Reports indicate that Los Angeles has pursued several bullpen options, including closer Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays, amid efforts to deepen their relief corps. This move aligns with the Dodgers’ intent to address bullpen vulnerabilities observed during their recent campaigns.
Fairbanks, 31, presents an intriguing option due to his mix of strong recent performance and team control. Despite a dip in his strikeout rate to 20.2%, he boasts a solid 2.75 ERA and a 2.89 FIP this season, numbers backed by a high ground ball rate of nearly 48%. Some advanced metrics like a 3.98 SIERA suggest potential regression, but Fairbanks’ track record from 2020 to 2023, featuring a 2.66 ERA and a 34.1% strikeout rate, reflects his capability as a high-impact reliever.
His value is amplified by contract terms, as he is controllable through 2026 via a $7 million club option, making him attractive in a market where team control often dictates trade desirability. Several teams including the Rangers, Cubs, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Tigers have also expressed interest in Fairbanks, indicating a competitive trade environment for his services.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic points out that the Dodgers have not been active in pursuing the elite end of the relief market, such as Twins closer Jhoan Duran and Athletics’ Mason Miller, both widely regarded and possessing even greater contract control than Fairbanks. However, the Dodgers may consider Fairbanks’ acquisition a worthwhile investment if their costs remain lower than those required for Duran or Miller, balancing quality and price in the bullpen upgrade strategy.
Shane Bieber Draws Dodgers’ Attention for Rotation Depth
In addition to bullpen reinforcements, the Dodgers have also shown tentative interest in the starting rotation market, particularly eyeing Cleveland Guardians right-hander Shane Bieber. Although Bieber has not yet pitched this season due to Tommy John surgery performed earlier in 2024, he is projected to return by August and represents a significant potential boost.
Bieber’s credentials are impressive: a former Cy Young Award winner with a 2.91 ERA and 2.96 FIP since 2020, he is widely regarded as a frontline starter capable of impacting a team’s competitiveness profoundly. While the Chicago Cubs are among those previously linked to Bieber, other contending teams like the Yankees and Blue Jays also figure as plausible suitors for his services.
Bieber’s contract situation adds complexity, featuring a $16 million player option for 2026 with a $4 million buyout. However, considering his upside and recent production, it is considered unlikely he would exercise this option unless impeded by injury, as pitchers of his caliber typically command significantly higher salaries on the open market.
Context: Dodgers’ Current Rotation Strength and Injury Challenges
The Dodgers’ interest in Bieber might seem surprising given their already formidable rotation, which includes stars like Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell. Additionally, the club maintains several viable back-end starters as depth options. Yet, injuries have depleted their staffing, forcing them to seek further reinforcements to withstand the demands of a playoff run.
At present, the team has six MLB starters sidelined on the 60-day injured list. Though Blake Snell’s return is imminent, the prevalence of injuries emphasizes the fragility of pitchers and the necessity for robust depth. Acquiring a high-end arm such as Bieber would provide insurance and competitive advantage as the Dodgers pursue their goal of defending their World Series championship.
Implications of Pursuing Fairbanks and Bieber for Dodgers’ Postseason Aspirations
The Dodgers’ pursuit of Pete Fairbanks and Shane Bieber illustrates a strategic commitment to reinforcing critical areas on their roster ahead of the playoff push. The combination of enhancing bullpen reliability and shoring up starting rotation depth addresses vulnerabilities exposed during injuries and high-pressure games.
If successful in these acquisitions, the Dodgers would not only improve their pitching flexibility but also gain peace of mind in managing player health risks. Fairbanks offers immediate bullpen stability with several years of team control, while Bieber’s eventual return from surgery could provide a significant starting rotation upgrade in the crucial final months of the season and postseason.
The ongoing trade discussions will be closely monitored as deadlines approach, with Los Angeles balancing costs, control, and talent upside in a competitive market. These moves could prove decisive in the Dodgers’ quest to repeat as World Series champions.
“The Dodgers are not currently in the high-end relief market.” —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
“The Guardians are known to be trying to move the right-hander.” —Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic