ORLANDO, Fla. — The high-leverage reliever market has moved quickly over the past week, and after the signings of Ryan Helsley, Devin Williams and Edwin Díaz, teams still looking for relief help have been forced to pivot. One of the arms who could benefit from that is right-hander Pete Fairbanks.
Fairbanks has become an intriguing name for teams coming out of this year’s winter meetings. Multiple sources tell Yahoo Sports that the former Rays closer has already received a few offers. While it’s unknown which teams have made those offers to the right-hander, several clubs have shown interest, including the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates.
In 2025, Fairbanks went 4-5 with a 2.83 ERA and 27 saves in 61 games. He has recorded 75 saves over the past three seasons. The Rays declined the right-hander’s $11 million club option after the season.
The Braves, who re-signed Raisel Iglesias last month to a one-year, $16 million deal, have been looking to make their bullpen stronger for 2026. According to sources, Atlanta made a late push for Williams before he landed with the New York Mets last week.
Free-agent right-hander Robert Suarez also remains available and is the top unsigned relief arm on Yahoo’s Top 50 free agents lists.
Edward Cabrera’s market heating up, Sandy Alcántara’s not so much
While the starting-pitching market continues to develop, the pitcher who might be the most attractive on the trade market right now is Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera. According to sources familiar with the situation, Cabrera is not only the most likely starter to be moved but also expected to land the largest return. The 27-year-old right-hander had the best season of his career in 2025, going 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA in a career-high 137 2/3 innings.
Beyond the electric stuff, what makes Cabrera so attractive to potential suitors is the four years of club control attached. The Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants are all in need of starting pitching this winter.
The Marlins have a surplus of starting pitching, which is a huge asset in the trade market, especially this offseason. While Cabrera is generating plenty of interest, former NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcántara, sources tell Yahoo Sports, has not garnered as much attention as some might have expected.
Alcántara struggled in 2025 in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, going 11-12 with a 5.36 ERA in 31 starts. We can’t rule it out, but at this point, it seems highly unlikely that the 30-year-old right-hander will be moved this winter. Alcántara is set to make $17.3 million in 2026 and has a $21 million club option for 2027.
Nats listening on Abrams, but positional questions remain
The Nationals have made it clear to teams that they’re willing to listen to offers on shortstop CJ Abrams this offseason. While the asking price is said to be high, the lack of shortstops on the free-agent market increases the demand. According to sources, there’s some debate within the industry about where the 2024 All-Star would play long-term if the Nationals trade him.
While some believe Abrams has the ability to continue to be an every-day shortstop, others think he’d be better suited as a second baseman. Then there’s a contingent of people who believe that with his athleticism, a move to center field might be in Abrams’ future.
What makes the 25-year-old such an interesting trade candidate is that there are plenty of tools. In 2025, he hit .258 with 19 homers, 31 stolen bases and career highs in doubles, hits and runs scored. But things were not as promising with his glove, as the shortstop carried a minus-6 defensive runs saved and a minus-11 outs above average, thus the question about his future positional home.
Wherever he plays, Abrams has four more years of club control.
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