The White Sox have already dipped into the free-agent market this winter with the signing of left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay last week, and it appears more additions could be on the horizon. The team has some “preliminary interest” in free agent reliever Pete Fairbanks, per Scott Merkin, the White Sox beat writer for MLB.com.
Player Profile
Fairbanks, 31, has parts of seven seasons of MLB experience and has enjoyed a fair amount of success, primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays. Across 275 career MLB appearances, the veteran right-hander has recorded a 3.19 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 1.17 WHIP, and 11.3 K/9 using primarily his four-seamer and slider. He has logged three seasons with at least 23 saves and set career highs with 61 appearances and 27 saves in 2025.
Pete Fairbanks, K'ing the Side in the 9th pic.twitter.com/ulBThbfziw
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 4, 2025
Potential Red Flags
The Rays somewhat surprisingly declined Fairbanks’ $11 million option in November, making him a free agent. It is worth noting that he has had his fair share of injuries in his career, including two Tommy John surgeries, shoulder problems, and lat issues. He also deals with Raynaud’s syndrome, a nerve condition that restricts blood flow and causes numbness in his fingers in cold weather. It’s a particularly significant consideration for a team like the White Sox who play in cold weather at both the beginning and end of the season.
Fairbanks' recent performance on the mound also has some concerning trends. His strikeout rate has declined significantly over the past couple of years, while his HR/9 this past season was the highest in a full season in his career. Despite some signs of regression, he was still in the 93rd percentile in barrel %, the 90th percentile in fastball velocity, and the 87th percentile in xERA last season per Baseball Savant.
Fit With White Sox
Even factoring in his injury history and recent performance, Fairbanks would immediately slot in as the White Sox closer should a deal come to fruition. His presence would add much needed stability to the back end of the White Sox bullpen and allow other relievers like Jordan Leasure, Grant Taylor, and Mike Vasil, the most likely internal closer options, to all move down an inning in the pecking order and strengthen what was arguably the biggest weakness on the roster last season. White Sox relievers collectively blew 24 saves last year; Fairbanks has 13 blown saves in the last three seasons combined.
Other Possible Suitors
The Diamondbacks, Marlins, and Blue Jays are among the other teams reportedly interested in Fairbanks' services. Given the demand for pitching and the contracts that other relievers like Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, Raisel Iglesias, and Phil Maton have already signed, Fairbanks figures to have a lot of suitors. His services will likely not come cheap.
Situation To Watch
Closer was a revolving door for the White Sox the entire season in 2025. Eight different pitchers recorded at least one save, but no one separated themselves from the pack heading into next year. Bringing in a pitcher with Fairbanks’ experience and past success to pitch in the ninth inning would go a long way in making the team a more formidable threat in the AL Central next year. There is no indication that any deal is close, but it is a situation worth monitoring.
