“Pete Fairbanks just reviewed on Rays”; “Emotional damage”

Free agency for veteran reliever Pete Fairbanks concluded on Wednesday as the 32-year-old signed with the Miami Marlins on a one-year, $13 million deal. The contract also includes a $1 million signing bonus as well as a $1 million appearance-based incentive.

Fairbanks, who has played for the Tampa Bay Rays since he was traded to the team by the Texas Rangers in 2019, spent more than six seasons with the franchise before opting for free agency at the end of last season after the Rays declined his $11 million club option for 2026.

Fans reacted to former Rays pitcher singing better deal with Marlins.

Fairbanks just reviewed Tampa Bay: “Thanks for the option, I’ll take the upgrade 😎”

“Rice turned down $11 million just to watch him get $13 million on the street. Emotional damage.”

“The Rays declined that option, and the Marlins just handed Fairbanks an early Christmas promotion 😂”

“Miracle on 27th Avenue: Marlins, Pirates and White Sox dropped over $80M in 72 hours. Small market spending is wild this Christmas 🎅🏻”

“Now the Cubs are being outbid by the Marlins. Good grief. We need a real owner who knows he has a big market team.”

“The Marlins would love Fairbanks, especially if they end up trading him and getting a decent amount for him.”

According to MLB.com, the deal also contains a $500,000 buyout bonus if Fairbanks is traded. He became the relief pitcher with the highest annual salary in franchise history, surpassing Heath Bell’s $9 million AAV.

Veteran reliever Pete Fairbanks becomes the second former Rays player to join the Marlins in free agency

The Marlins have been looking for short-term deals this offseason, and Pete Fairbanks became the second former Rays player to join the franchise as Christopher Morell joined the team on a one-year, $2 million deal last week.

The decision to sign the veteran reliever comes on the heels of Marlins closer Ronnie Henriquez’s Tommy John hybrid surgery that ruled him out for the 2026 season.