Well, at season's end, it was apparently last call for Miami Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks, who suffered through a year in South Florida that was pretty brutal. He was hammered by an injury and a massive ERA in 2026, and the hangover left behind has been a headache for the Fish.

Fairbanks, who turns 33 over the winter, has a strange concoction of statistics last season. His ERA was 6.31 in 46 appearances. Rounding out his numbers, the reliever went 4-5, with 57 strikeouts and 21 walks in 41.1 innings pitched.

However, the veteran righty also converted 19 of 23 save opportunities, which is a better rate than Miami will likely get from a retread on the market. And speaking of rate, coming off his late-season arm troubles and muddling on the mound, he will command far less than he did this season.

Essentially, 2026 cost Fairbanks a ton of money, and the only question now is: Who will take a flyer on him at his new, discounted rate? And considering that he isn't going to be in a position to ask for more than a 2-3 year contract, he's a short-term elixir for a team in need of a ninth-inning stopper.

A team like, let's say... the Miami Marlins. Believe it or not? For the right price and contract structure, Fairbanks could be back for the Fish. Compared to what's out there in free agency? He may even be the best option.

The Marlins have a few things to consider before deciding whether to let Fairbanks walk. For starters, his track record in Tampa Bay suggests that the 2026 season was more of an outlier than a new normal. And while the Fish could certainly use a more reliable option in the ninth inning, they also have to be realistic about what they can get on the open market.

Fairbanks was making $13 million this season, a figure that will almost certainly be out of reach for him after his disappointing campaign. But a one-year deal with an option for 2028 could make sense for both sides. Miami gets another look at a veteran closer without committing to a long-term deal, while Fairbanks gets a chance to rebuild his value.

Of course, the biggest concern remains his health. The right-hander has dealt with multiple nerve issues in his throwing arm, and the Marlins would need to be confident that he can stay on the mound for a full season. If he's healthy, however, the upside is still there.

For the right price, the Marlins could do worse than giving Fairbanks one more shot. And if he can rediscover his old form, the Fish might have found themselves a bargain in the ninth inning.

A single-year agreement featuring a 2028 option could benefit both parties. It gives Miami a low-risk, short-term look at a veteran anchor for their bullpen while offering Fairbanks the opportunity to restore his market value following a tough year that will lower his price tag from his previous $13 million salary.

Ultimately, bringing him back isn't about past achievements elsewhere, but rather identifying a cost-effective solution for a team in need of a closer. At an agreeable price, taking another chance on Fairbanks could be just what the Marlins need when it's closing time.