The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to add another arm to the backend of their bullpen.
Toronto has Jeff Hoffman as its closer. But general manager Ross Atkins, didn’t rule out signing a closer to add competition to the backend of the bullpen. The Blue Jays have shown interest in several impact relievers. Now, they are looking to steal a reliever from a division rival.
MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic revealed on Monday that the Blue Jays are showing interest in former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks.
“With Ryan Helsley off the market, Pete Fairbanks might be the next closer to sign,” the article read. “The Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins are among the teams interested in him, ccording to industry sources briefed on his market. The Jays, who are in agreement with free-agent right-hander Dylan Cease on a seven-year contract, continue to pursue late-inning relievers. And were in the mix for three who already signed – Helsley, Raisel Iglesias and Phil Maton.
“Fairbanks, as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, faced the AL East rival Jays often. In 27 career innings against them, he held Toronto hitters to a .130 batting average and .468 OPS. … Other teams also are in the mix. Most contenders have at least touched base, sources say.”
Fairbanks would compete with Hoffman for the closing role with the Blue Jays. He would be another high-leverage arm to the bullpen.
The soon-to-be 32-year-old went 4-5 with a 2.83 ERA in 61 games last season with the Rays, while going 27-of-32 in save opportunities.
What is Fairbanks Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Fairbanks is one of the top relievers available and should be able to get a multi-year deal in free agency.
The star closer became a free agent as the Rays declined the $11 million option for next season. Instead, Tampa Bay paid Fairbanks a $1 million buyout. It was a cost-cutting move as Fairbanks is expected to get a multi-year deal similar to the two-year, $28 million deal that Hesley signed.
“In his third season as the Rays’ full-time closer, Fairbanks finished with a 2.83 ERA over 60 innings and posted a career-high 27 saves,” the article added. “The Rays declined his $11 million club option at the end of the season, paying him a $1 million buyout instead to help make their limited offseason budget more flexible.
“As the markets develop for Edwin Díaz, Devin Williams, and Robert Suarez, Fairbanks looms as a viable under-the-radar alternative. Helsley agreed Saturday to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, pending a physical. A similar deal is believed to be in range for Fairbanks.”
Fairbanks has proven he can pitch effectively in the AL East and be an impact arm at the backend of the bullpen, which is a need for the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Not Committed to Hoffman as Closer
Toronto lost in Game 7 of the World Series and was two outs away from winning it.
Hoffman gave up a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth as he blew the save. At the year-end press conference, Atkins said they may have a new closer in 2026.
“The great thing about Jeff is he’s not married to that,” Atkins said on Nov. 6. “Talking about the cohesion and team approach (of the Jays), he epitomizes that. I think he would be open to anything that makes us better.”
Hoffman went 9-7 with a 4.37 ERA in 71 games last season, including going 33-of-40 in save opportunities.
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