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Rays Eye Dodgers' Kopech for Bullpen Boost
21 Feb
Summary
- Tampa Bay Rays had an active offseason but may need bullpen help.
- Pete Fairbanks' departure leaves a notable gap in the Rays' bullpen.
- Michael Kopech offers potential low-risk, high-reward addition.
The Tampa Bay Rays have undertaken significant moves during the current winter offseason, preparing for the imminent start of spring training. While the team has bolstered its farm system, a potential area for improvement remains in the bullpen. This is particularly relevant after the surprising decision not to exercise the contract option for their primary closer, Pete Fairbanks, who is no longer with the team as of 2026.
With Fairbanks' absence, the Rays may revert to a closer-by-committee approach, potentially with Griffin Jax handling many save opportunities. To address this, the team is considering free agent Michael Kopech, a right-handed pitcher known for his potential impact when healthy. Despite recent injury setbacks, Kopech has posted strong numbers, including a 1.54 ERA over 35 innings with the Los Angeles Dodgers in limited recent appearances.
Kopech's potential signing represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Tampa Bay. His addition would provide another capable high-leverage arm, crucial for navigating the challenging American League East division in 2026. The team's ability to transition from its starting rotation to an effective bullpen could be a key factor in their success throughout the upcoming season.
