Going into the MLB trade deadline, the New York Yankees are expected to be aggressive buyers. One Miami Marlins reliever has already emerged as a potential target.

With the Yankees searching for another reliable late-inning arm, CBS Sports' Mike Axisa recently identified Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks as a logical trade fit if Miami decides to move veteran pieces before Aug. 3.

However, things look far more complicated than they appeared just a few weeks ago.

Miami entered July as one of baseball's hottest teams after posting a 20-6 record in June. The Marlins vaulted themselves squarely into the National League Wild Card race. That surge has changed the outlook surrounding several veterans, including Fairbanks and former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara.

Whether president of baseball operations Peter Bendix chooses to capitalize on their trade value or keep the roster intact for a playoff push remains one of the biggest storylines leading up to the deadline.

"I'm fascinated to see how Peter Bendix handles the trade deadline," Axisa wrote. "Does he stick to the long-term plan and ship out Sandy Alcantara and/or Fairbanks? Or does he hang onto them and try to get Miami to the postseason?"

For the Yankees, Fairbanks checks several important boxes despite an uneven statistical season.

The veteran right-hander owns a 7.27 ERA, a number that doesn't immediately jump off the page. However, much of that damage came during just three difficult outings that significantly inflated his overall numbers.

Outside of those appearances, Fairbanks has continued to show many of the traits that made him one of baseball's better late-inning relievers during his years with the Tampa Bay Rays.

His fastball still averages 97.3 mph, and he has struck out 28.8% of opposing hitters this season. That swing-and-miss ability is something New York could use in high-leverage situations alongside David Bednar.

Fairbanks also carries extensive closing experience, giving the Yankees another veteran option capable of pitching the eighth or ninth inning during a postseason run.

Earlier this season, Miami remained confident that Fairbanks would return to form despite his rocky start. His underlying metrics continued to suggest improvement was possible, and the organization viewed him as an important part of a bullpen expected to support a young rotation throughout the year.

Now, the decision may come down less to his performance and more to Miami's place in the standings.

If the Marlins remain firmly in playoff contention, moving one of their experienced late-inning relievers becomes much harder to justify. But if Bendix ultimately prioritizes the organization's long-term outlook, Fairbanks could become one of the more attractive bullpen arms available.

For the Yankees, that possibility is certainly worth monitoring over the next few weeks.

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