The Tampa Bay Rays, who have had seven different closers since 2015, saw Pete Fairbanks take on the role full-time in 2023, accumulating 75 saves over three seasons. After declining Fairbanks’ $11MM option, he signed a one-year deal with the Marlins, leaving the Rays to find a new closer, likely from within. Candidates include Edwin Uceta, who excelled in high-leverage situations, and Griffin Jax, who had a rough start with Tampa but showed promise. Others like Garrett Cleavinger and Bryan Baker offer options, while Hunter Bigge is viewed as a potential future closer despite recent injuries.
