The Arizona Diamondbacks watch another potential closer target sign with another team. Former Rays closer Pete Fairbanks agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins. Fairbanks became a free agent when the Tampa Bay Rays declined an $11 million club option for 2026.
The top story for the Diamondbacks this offseason has been Ketel Marte trade rumors. As they’ve entertained offers, they’ve watched some of the top relievers find new homes. With the increasing likelihood that the club will shut down discussions on their All-Star second baseman, the focus shifts to the bullpen.
This offseason has seen all the top closers find new homes quickly. Edwin Diaz, Robert Suárez, Raisel Iglesias, Ryan Helsley, Devin Williams, Brad Keller, and Luke Weaver all signed deals of at least $11 million per season. Of this group, only Iglesias didn’t get a multiyear deal.
Diamondbacks Interest in Pete Fairbanks
GettyThe Diamondbacks checked in on Pete Fairbanks before he agreed to a deal with the Marlins.
The Arizona Republic‘s Nick Piecoro reported on December 3 that the Diamondbacks engaged with Pete Fairbanks‘ camp. Beyond that initial report, nothing of note came out regarding the team’s interest.
Fairbanks netted $13 million on a one-year deal with the Marlins. At that number, the natural question to ask is if the Diamondbacks are priced out of the market for a proven closer this offseason.
Following the signings of Michael Soroka and Merrill Kelly, Roster Resource projects the club’s 2026 payroll at $168 million. With the team likely to have a lower payroll than last season ($195 million on Opening Day 2025), they don’t have much room to address their needs.
In addition to landing more quality relief arms, they want to address the outfield situation. Roster Resource projects Blaze Alexander and Alek Thomas as the primary starters in left and center field. Jake McCarthy and Jorge Barrosa are listed on the bench in the roster projection. They are not currently linked to any free-agent bat as of December 24.
Who’s Left in the Market?
Seranthony Dominguez remains one of the top free-agent relievers available this offseason.
The only reliever remaining from MLB Trade Rumors’ Top 50 free agents list is Seranthony Domínguez. The former Phillies, Orioles, and Blue Jays reliever ranks at No. 43 spot, with none of the writers predicting him to sign with the Diamondbacks. The club should be familiar with the hard-throwing right-hander, who was on the 2023 Phillies squad they beat in the National League Championship Series.
Dominguez projects to receive a two-year, $18 million deal by MLB Trade Rumors. None of their four writers predicted he would sign with the Diamondbacks. The median crowd-sourced projection on FanGraphs has him earning $16 million over the same duration.
Another route the Diamondbacks could take in free agency is a closer looking to rebound in 2026. Two pitchers that come to mind are Michael Kopech and Hunter Harvey. Both relievers battled injuries that tanked their market value in their final season before hitting the open market.
Harvey missed much of 2025, with shoulder and groin injuries limiting him to just 12 games with the Kansas City Royals. He averaged 96.1 MPH on his four-seamer and showed solid ability to miss bats in a limited sample. He’d be a classic bounce-back candidate and stopgap option at closer while Justin Martinez finishes his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Kopech appeared in just 14 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025. He pitched to a 2.45 ERA, but struggled with control as he had more walks (13) than strikeouts (12). Kopech battled a shoulder impingement that delayed his season until June, then battled right knee inflammation. The knee issue led to two separate stints on the injured list and missing out on the Dodgers’ successful title defense in the postseason.
The alternative route for the Diamondbacks is exploring the trade market. They could deal outfielders Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy for a rental closer. The Pittsburgh Pirates are a possible fit, as they’re looking to upgrade their lineup this offseason. A Thomas or McCarthy for Dennis Santana trade could be an option.
Diamondbacks Watch Another Closer Target Sign Elsewhere as Pete Fairbanks Lands in Miami