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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers know they have to bolster their bullpen this winter after last year's plan failed miserably. Much of that was due to the struggles of Tanner Scott, who has not justified his multi-year contract at all after lackluster performances and injuries derailed his season.
Unfortunately for the Dodgers, all 30 teams are looking to add to the bullpen. Relievers are one of the most popular acquisitions every offseason, and this year will not be an exception.
The reliever group this winter is very top heavy. Elite closers such as Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez headline the group before it drops off some into a group of Pete Fairbanks, Devin Williams, Raisel Iglesias and Ryan Helsley. Those four could be closers but could also slot in as set-up relievers. After that, the talent level declines even more.
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As the general manager meetings continue in Las Vegas, MLB insider Bob Nightengale is hearing the Dodgers are likely to pursue Fairbanks to address their bullpen issues.
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"The Los Angeles Dodgers, with $87 million coming off the books, will keep folks honest in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, but probably won't be the high bidders – instead wanting to focus on shoring up their bullpen," Nightengale wrote for USA Today. "They could pursue Edwin Diaz or Devin Williams, but rival executives expect them to instead turn to former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, who has 75 saves with a 2.98 ERA the past three seasons."
This past season, Fairbanks posted a 2.83 ERA with 27 saves for the Tampa Bay Rays. However, his numbers indicate he got some extra help from his defense as he recorded a 3.63 FIP in his 61 appearances. He would certainly get better defense with the Dodgers compared to the Rays, so next year's numbers could see an even larger difference between them.
Fairbanks is projected to sign a three-year, $41 million deal, according to Spotrac. The 31-year-old reliever would make $13.8 million per year if he signs at that rate, but there is always a chance the market could shift in his favor as the demand for high-quality relievers increases.
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