The Chicago Cubs entered the offseason knowing that they had a lot of work to do, and that still stands true now that we are past the midway point of December. The Cubs still have several of their own free agents on the open market, with the most notable of the bunch being All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, and they have continued to be linked to some of the biggest names available in both free agency and on the trade market.
Like pretty much every other team in the league, Chicago is looking for some help in its bullpen in free agency. That has led them to former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, with reports indicating that the Cubs could look to make a move for the star right-handed reliever as players in this position continue to come flying off the board.
Cubs Targeting Relief Pitcher Pete Fairbanks
Early in the offseason, the Rays surprisingly decided to decline the $11 million option in Fairbanks’ contract, making him a free agent. In the blink of an eye, Fairbanks became one of the top relief pitchers available in a fairly deep class, thanks to his ability to work out of several different high-leverage roles.
For the past three seasons, Fairbanks has been Tampa Bay’s closer after turning himself into a deadly setup man. Fairbanks enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 4.5 record with a 2.83 ERA, 27 saves, and 59 strikeouts. That didn’t stop the Rays from turning to other options in their bullpen, but one team’s trash is another team’s treasure.
Fairbanks has generated quite a bit of interest on the open market, with several teams battling for his signature. One late entrant to the race has been the Cubs, who reportedly have checked in on Fairbanks after watching Devin Williams sign a three-year, $51 million contract with the New York Mets earlier in free agency.
“Another name the Cubs have at least considered is Pete Fairbanks, the former closer for the Tampa Bay Rays,” Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reported.
Should the Cubs Sign Pete Fairbanks?
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 27: Peter Fairbanks #29 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after allowing a solo home run to Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning in Game Six of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Chicago may not appoint a true closer in its bullpen to start the 2026 campaign, but that shouldn’t prevent the team from going out and signing Fairbanks. Having guys who can get outs late in games when the result hangs in the balance is crucial, and no matter what inning he’s taken the mound in, Fairbanks has proven that he can get the job done.
The competition for Fairbanks’ signature is going to be fierce, and that could result in the Cubs sliding out of this race. Depending on how long Fairbanks remains on the open market, though, and how many of its top targets Chicago is able to bring to town, it could eventually decide to increase its pursuit. For now, it doesn’t seem all that likely, but Fairbanks would be a solid fit in the Cubs’ bullpen should they decide to make a real run for him.
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