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By Jackson Roberts
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Toronto Blue Jays are on the prowl for bullpen help after losing a heartbreaking seven-game World Series.
It was obvious how little the Blue Jays trusted their bullpen by the end of the Fall Classic. Closer Jeff Hoffman gave up the solo home run to Los Angeles Dodgers backup infielder Miguel Rojas that tied Game 7 in the ninth inning, and the Blue Jays used three usual starting pitchers as relievers in the same game.
Based on a Monday report, the Blue Jays may not need to wait long for their next big-name bullpen addition.
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With news that the division-rival Baltimore Orioles agreed to terms with two-time All-Star flamethrower Ryan Helsley over the weekend, the Blue Jays were closely linked on Monday to former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks by insiders Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic.
"With Ryan Helsley off the market, Pete Fairbanks might be the next closer to sign," wrote Rosenthal and Woo. "The Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins are among the teams interested in him, according to industry sources briefed on his market.
"The Jays, who are in agreement with free-agent right-hander Dylan Cease on a seven-year contract, continue to pursue late-inning relievers, and were in the mix for three who already signed – Helsley, Raisel Iglesias and Phil Maton."
Fairbanks, 31, had an $11 million club option that the low-spending Rays turned down. It might wind up being the best thing for him long-term, as Helsley's deal, which will likely be somewhat comparable to what the hard-throwing Fairbanks can obtain, was reportedly for two years, $28 million.
Anything can always happen in free agency, but the Marlins are a team that's hard to ever believe will outbid a big-market team like Toronto for a free agent both want. In fact, Miami's main motivation to spend money this offseason may well be to avoid scrutiny and a potential grievance from the MLB Players Association.
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