The Texas Rangers are actively exploring all possibilities to reinforce their bullpen before the MLB trade deadline, including inquiries about Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rangers’ interest in Fairbanks, a reliever with ties to their organization, highlights their urgency to find a reliable closer for the final innings of games. This potential move comes as the Rangers work to solidify their pitching staff to enhance their postseason prospects.
Background on Pete Fairbanks and His MLB Journey
Pete Fairbanks, a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB draft out of Missouri. After four years in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut with Texas in 2019, appearing in eight games but posting a high 9.35 ERA. Shortly after his debut, the Rangers traded Fairbanks to Tampa Bay for utility player Nick Solak.
Since joining the Rays, Fairbanks has developed into their primary closer. This season, he has compiled a 4-3 record with a 2.75 ERA and converted 18 saves in 21 opportunities. Over the past three years, he has recorded 66 saves, demonstrating his effectiveness late in games.
Rangers’ Current Bullpen Situation and Potential Benefits of Acquiring Fairbanks
Texas has struggled to find consistency at closing duties, using seven different pitchers to record saves this season. Acquiring Fairbanks would provide the Rangers with a dedicated closer, potentially stabilizing the bullpen and relieving pressure on pitchers such as Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Robert Garcia, and Jacob Webb, each of whom has appeared in at least 40 games this year. Chris Martin, currently sidelined due to a calf strain, has pitched in 39 games.
Fairbanks has made 40 appearances in the 2024 season, nearing his career-high mark of 49 games set last year. His experience and success in the closer role could address a key weakness for the Rangers as they seek consistent late-inning pitching.
Other Bullpen Options Under Consideration by the Rangers
The Rangers are not solely focused on Fairbanks, as their search for bullpen reinforcement spans several other relievers. They have reportedly reached out to teams about acquiring Pittsburgh Pirates’ closer David Bednar and St. Louis Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley, both of whom could fill a similar role in the ninth inning.
Additionally, Texas has inquired about Colorado Rockies relievers Jake Bird, Victor Vodnik, and Tyler Kinley. These pitchers, while not closers, might contribute valuable innings to bolster the Rangers’ relief corps.
The team’s limited Triple-A bullpen options have prompted the Rangers to emphasize acquiring talent from outside the organization, showing a clear commitment to upgrading the pitching staff before the July 31st trade deadline.
Upcoming Schedule and Implications of Trade Deadline Decisions
The Rangers are currently in Anaheim facing the Los Angeles Angels and will travel to Seattle following the deadline, positioning them to integrate any new pitching acquisitions immediately. The urgency of strengthening the bullpen is compounded by the team’s standings and desire to remain competitive over the final stretch of the season.
Overall, pursuing Pete Fairbanks could provide Texas with a proven closer who contributes immediately, while ongoing talks with other relievers indicate a broader strategy to secure bullpen depth and reliability. How these negotiations conclude may significantly influence the Rangers’ chances in the post-season.
“The Rangers have inquired about a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Pete Fairbanks.” —Evan Grant, The Dallas Morning News
“This would give pitchers like Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Robert Garcia and Jacob Webb some, well, relief.” —Matthew Postins, Sports Journalist