Part 4/12:
Relievers are commanding significant interest, with a flurry of signings illustrating a run on impactful late-inning arms. Pete Fairbanks, for instance, was expected to be the next significant reliever off the market after Devin Williams, with multiple teams interested, including the Marlins and Blue Jays.
Why Has Fairbanks Not Signed?
One surprising element is that Fairbanks' team, the Rays, declined his option, despite the market indicating high demand for such arms. The primary reason seems to be the Rays' difficulty in trading him, likely due to physical issues or perceived value gaps. Given the vibrant reliever market, many analysts believe Fairbanks, valued around $10-11 million for a season, might have fetched a prospect or two, indicating a potential misstep for Tampa Bay.