Could the Rays Reunite With Pete Fairbanks Before the Trade Deadline?

The Tampa Bay Rays need to address their bullpen before it's too late. 

Although the back end of the pitching staff looked sharp in Sunday's series win against the Los Angeles Angels, they haven't been consistent lately. The team allowed 14 runs on Saturday, with 7 coming in the final two innings. 

With that being said, they could use some help in the bullpen for the rest of the season and help them push to the postseason for the first time since 2023. 

Could they reunite with a former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher to make it happen?

With the Miami Marlins once again likely becoming sellers at the Trade Deadline, Pete Fairbanks could be available for a Tropicana reunion. 

The 32-year-old spent seven seasons with the Rays before he was signed by the Marlins this past offseason in free agency. Last season with the Rays, he pitched a 2.83 ERA in 61 appearances and had 27 saves on 32 opportunities. 

With Bryan Baker having a great season so far as the Rays' closer, adding Fairbanks as a solid setup man would be ideal for Eric Neander and the Tampa Bay front office. The right-handers have not had a good season so far in Miami, posting a 7.53 ERA across 16 outings, but a return to a familiar place can fix everything. 

Recently acquired Craig Kimbrel, who looked solid in his Rays debut, has already hit the 15-day injured list, so the need is absolutely there. If they were to make a trade for Fairbanks, they could likely do so for a mid-level prospect. 

During the team's 2020 World Series run, Fairbanks had one of his best seasons with a 2.70 ERA across 27 outings, and could provide the help needed to get them deep into the playoffs and remain as one of the best teams in the American League. 

He and the rest of the Marlins' pitching staff are worth keeping an eye on, as the team currently sits in last place in the NL East at 26-34 and is already six games outside the wild card playoff race.