Part 2/18:
Bleacher Report advocates for the Orioles to acquire relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays. Given the Rays’ history of trading valued near-free agents before they hit the open market, this seems plausible. Fairbanks, under team control through 2026 with a club option at $12.5 million, could represent a savvy addition for Baltimore, which ranked in the bottom 10 for relief pitching wins above replacement (F4) last season.
However, the Orioles will need to consider the Rays’ reluctance to trade within the division—a significant obstacle. Still, a trade could be enticing if the Orioles see Fairbanks as the missing piece in their bullpen overhaul.