The New York Yankees have identified Pete Fairbanks, the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays, as a possible trade target.
The New York Yankees have been steadily slipping closer to a .500 record since their peak in mid-June, and with the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 30, they have limited time to address their issues. The Yankees have a disappointing 11-24 record in their last 35 games. While their strong start has kept them in the race in the American League East, they currently trail the Baltimore Orioles by 1.5 games and don’t seem eager to take the lead.
New York acquired outfielder Jazz Chisholm from the Miami Marlins, but it appears the Yankees might not be done making moves. General Manager Brian Cashman is still looking for ways to prevent another disastrous collapse.
The Yankees are — or aren’t? — trading for Rays closer Pete Fairbanks
Randy Miller of the Newark Star-Ledger reported on Saturday that the Yankees were in “serious talks” to acquire Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks. However, serious talks don’t always translate to a serious likelihood of a trade. MLB.com Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch soon downplayed the possibility, stating that “nothing is close” regarding a Fairbanks trade between the Yankees and Rays.
On Saturday, the Rays defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-0, moving above .500 with a 53-52 record. While Fairbanks didn’t pitch in the game, he was seen throwing in the bullpen, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
The Yankees have reportedly been aggressively seeking at least two bats and two bullpen arms before the trade deadline. Acquiring Chisholm has provided them with one bat, and Fairbanks would be a solid addition to their bullpen.
Fairbanks has posted a 3.19 ERA in 36 innings this season. Although this is up from last season’s 2.58 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 45 innings, the decline is not significant. For the Yankees, whose bullpen has been struggling since June, Fairbanks could offer much-needed stability.