location_on Home keyboard_arrow_right MLB keyboard_arrow_right Content

Philadelphia Phillies Should Target Pete Fairbanks to Fill José Alvarado’s Void

MLB access_alarms2025-05-20 22:27:24 visibility12 text_decrease title text_increase

FEEL UNSTOPPABLE IN GEAR THAT MOVES WITH YOU.

From lightweight running shorts to moisture-repellent jackets – every piece is crafted for peak performance and head-turning style.

Need sports gear? Get it on sale now – discounts you can’t resist! <--Click

Table of Contents

The Bullpen Emergency

José Alvarado's 80-game PED suspension leaves the Phillies scrambling for late-inning solutions during the crucial stretch of the 2025 Season. With their bullpen already ranking 24th in ERA (4.51) and blowing 12 saves (third-most in NL), Philadelphia needs immediate reinforcement. Jordan Romano's disappointing 6.59 ERA since joining the team only amplifies the crisis.

Pete Fairbanks: The Ideal Solution

The Tampa Bay Rays closer presents the perfect fix for Philadelphia's relief woes. At 30, Fairbanks brings championship experience with a career 1.93 ERA in 14 postseason appearances. His 2024 numbers tell the story: 2.89 ERA, 11 saves, and 43 strikeouts in 31 innings while holding batters to a .189 average.

<a href=https://www.ajfpt.com/tags-PhiladelphiaPhillies-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Philadelphia Phillies</a> Should Target Pete Fairbanks to Replace José Alvarado’s Dominance

What Makes Him Special

Fairbanks dominates with a 97mph fastball and changeup that generated a 38% whiff rate last season. His team-friendly contract (3-year, $12 million through 2026) makes him affordable for the Phillies, especially considering Tampa Bay's tendency to trade veterans during rebuilds.

Why the Rays Would Trade

With fading playoff hopes and their trademark fiscal prudence, Tampa Bay has strong incentives to deal. Fairbanks' $7 million 2026 club option likely doesn't fit their youth movement strategy. The Phillies could offer pitching prospect Mick Abel (3.21 ERA, 10.1 K/9 at AA) as centerpiece in a trade package that satisfies both teams' needs.

Championship Implications

Adding Fairbanks would transform Philadelphia's late-game strategy. Manager Rob Thomson could slot him into high-leverage situations while using Seranthony Domínguez and José Quijada as setup men. Paired with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola's stellar rotation, this move could position the Phillies as World Series favorites.

The Clock is Ticking

GM Sam Fuld must act before the trade deadline to avoid repeating last year's bullpen collapse. Securing Fairbanks wouldn't just patch a hole - it would give Philadelphia the shutdown closer they need for October baseball. With the NL East race heating up, this acquisition could make all the difference between playoff disappointment and championship glory.