Marlins Top Trade Candidate is a $13 Million Pitcher No One is Discussing
The Miami Marlins signed Pete Fairbanks to a one-year, $13 million contract last December. The right-handed reliever will receive a $500,000 assignment bonus (paid by the acquiring team) if he’s traded during the 2026 season - a possible payday that grows more likely each passing week.
At 26-31, the Marlins need to leapfrog six teams to jump back into the NL Wild Card picture. Their deficit isn’t insurmountable, but it’s deep enough that they can expect to receive a few phone calls between now and the Aug. 3 trade deadline if their fortunes don’t improve.
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Despite his up-and-down results in 2026, Fairbanks could be the subject of more tire-kicking than any Marlins player among contending teams.
After recording 88 saves for Tampa Bay from 2019-25 and anchoring the Rays’ bullpen during their 2020 World Series run, Fairbanks has seen his profile fall in Miami.
Mostly, that’s the result of a two-week stay on the injured list because of an irritated nerve. In five one-inning appearances since returning, Fairbanks has allowed only one run.
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Unfortunately, Fairbanks got blown up in a couple of April outings and sports a 7.07 ERA for the season. The 32-year-old might need a few more solid outings before the Marlins start receiving any formal trade offers.
The Marlins have only had 21 save opportunities through their first 57 games this season. Trading their only pitching with closing experience is unlikely to hurt their slim chances of reaching the postseason - 4.6 percent through May 27, according to FanGraphs.
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The same could be said of starting pitcher Sandy Alcántara, a former Cy Young Award winner. But while the Marlins hold a 2027 option for Alcántara, Fairbanks is a free agent at the end of the season. They won’t hurt their chances for next year by trading him in-season.
If getting healthy wasn’t enough to improve Fairbanks’ trade stock, a simple change to his pitch mix might. The Marlins have increased Fairbanks’ cut fastball usage from a tertiary offering to a secondary pitch.
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Opposing hitters are having little trouble with the pitch, as evidenced by a .357 batting average and .643 slugging percentage against Fairbanks’ cutter. Meanwhile, the Marlins have de-emphasized Fairbanks’ slider despite it yielding only a .173 batting average last year and no hits in 2026.
A change of scenery could be in order for Fairbanks. The Marlins shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger if any teams looking for bullpen help are willing to offer a talented minor league prospect in return.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 6:24 PM.