The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 offseason with both a clear need in the outfield and questions about a bullpen that underperformed despite heavy investment. While the start of free agency has brought several top relievers to market, including Edwin DĂaz, Devin Williams, Raisel Iglesias, and Robert Suárez, the Dodgers’ pursuit of Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks appears to be cooling.
Fairbanks Emerges as Free-Agent Target
After the Rays declined Fairbanks’ $11 million 2026 club option, the 31-year-old right-hander became one of the more attractive bullpen options on the market. Over his career with Tampa Bay, Fairbanks posted 90 saves—third-most in franchise history—and ranked among the top relief pitchers since 2020 in FIP (2.95), WAR (5.5), strikeouts per nine (11.2), and ERA (2.90).
However, recent reporting from Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic suggests the Dodgers are unlikely to be a front-runner for Fairbanks. Toronto and Miami are now viewed as the primary suitors. As Rosenthal noted, “Fairbanks has been stacking consistent work and production,” but other factors, including advanced metrics from the past season—ranked in the 29th percentile for hard-hit percentage and 26th for average exit velocity—may have limited his appeal.
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Dodgers’ Bullpen Strategy
Los Angeles’ bullpen woes in 2025 exposed the volatility of relief pitching. Tanner Scott, signed to a four-year, $72 million deal, struggled to a 4.74 ERA and failed to convert 10 of 33 save opportunities. Kirby Yates (5.23 ERA) and Blake Treinen (5.40 ERA) also underperformed, leaving high-leverage situations vulnerable.
General Manager Brandon Gomes remains optimistic about Scott returning to form in 2026. “We fully believe Tanner’s gonna come back and have a great year for us next year and be right there in the mix to pitch at the back end of the games,” Gomes said. Scott has demonstrated elite potential in the past, posting a 1.18 ERA in 44 games with the Marlins in 2024 and making the All-Star Game that season.
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In-House Alternatives
While Fairbanks may be out of reach, the Dodgers have promising internal options, including Kyle Hurt, Ben Casparius, and potentially Bobby Miller. These arms could prove more sustainable and cost-effective than pursuing external free agents, particularly with top-tier relievers like Devin Williams already off the market.
Why It Matters
A reliable late-inning arm remains a priority for Los Angeles as it aims to defend its consecutive titles. Adding a proven closer like Fairbanks—or re-establishing Scott as the team’s back-end anchor—will be key to shoring up a bullpen that struggled in high-stakes postseason situations. Jeff Passan of ESPN summed up the strategy: “They never run it back. They always are looking to add.”
For the Dodgers, the 2026 offseason will be about balancing free-agent opportunities with internal development, all while maintaining a championship-caliber roster.
