The Milwaukee Brewers can benefit by adding additional pitching depth ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline.
Throughout the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the Milwaukee Brewers have proven to be one of the best teams in the sport.
Milwaukee currently owns a 62-37 record, which puts it a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in baseball. Because of the Brewers’ success, they might be one of the teams that are looking to buy at the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline.
On July 15, the Brewers traded for two-time World Series champion and former All-Star Lance McCullers Jr., and the plan by the organization is to utilize McCullers in a relief role for the time being, but additional pitching help could be beneficial.
Currently, Milwaukee has eight pitchers on its Injured List, several of whom are relievers. McCullers could fit in well in a reliever role, especially as he gets integrated with the team and recovers his workload after missing time with right shoulder inflammation.
However, the other side of the coin is that McCullers has struggled to stay healthy at all in recent seasons. Because of his lack of availability, the Brewers should consider getting another pitcher to add to their bullpen.
Enter Pete Fairbanks.
Who is Pete Fairbanks?
Fairbanks, 32, is in a closing role for the Miami Marlins after signing a one-year, $13 million deal with them last offseason, which brought about the end of his longtime tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Marlins are having a solid season and remain in the National League Wild Card hunt, but Fairbanks may end up getting traded regardless.
Statistically, it has not been a good season for Fairbanks. In 33 games (one start) for the Marlins, he has a 3-4 record with a 7.42 ERA.
In 30.1 innings of work, Fairbanks has given up 32 hits and 25 earned runs. He also has 13 saves while allowing three blown saves.
A recent stint on the 15-day Injured List due to nerve irritation has also affected Fairbanks’ season. Recently, The Athletic included Fairbanks on its second "Big Board" of players who may get moved by the Aug. 3 Deadline.
On its boards, The Athletic corresponds each player listed to their likelihood of getting traded by using three colors: red, yellow and green. In Fairbanks’ case, the designation was yellow.
The Athletic made it clear that these are best-guess scenarios, but it seems that there is at least some chance Fairbanks could be moved. Pairing him with Trevor Megill in a closing role would add additional depth on the mound that Milwaukee needs, and it provides a veteran presence who knows what it takes to perform in the postseason.
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