Closer Pete Fairbanks will hit free agency after the Tampa Bay Rays declined their $11 million option on him Thursday.

Fairbanks, who turns 32 in December, will be one of the top relievers available in a market soft with high-leverage options. As the primary closer for the Rays over the last four seasons, he has saved 83 games and posted a 2.83 ERA, striking out 332 and walking 103 in 265.1 innings.

With a fastball that sits at 97 mph, a well-above-average slider and a cutter that was added midseason in 2025 and graded out as an elite pitch, Fairbanks is expected to draw multiyear interest in a free agent market soft with relief options.

After the top reliever on the market, right-hander Edwin Diaz , Fairbanks slots in strongly in the second tier, with right-handers Devin William

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