Rays closer Pete Fairbanks hints at potential trade destination on popular podcast

The trade deadline can be a stressful period, especially for a team that is not in the hunt for a playoff spot. It can be even more taxing for individual players whose stock has risen enough to be dealt to another organization. As fans, we sometimes forget that these athletes have families, homes, and personal lives. Therefore, when they are uprooted and moved to another home in the middle of a season, it can be a difficult ordeal.

Rays dynamic closer Pete Fairbanks was invited to speak on the Foul Territory podcast hosted by former players. Nobody is surprised by this request due to his charismatic nature and fiery personality. Two-time All-Star and host of Foul Territory, AJ Pierzynski asked the hard-throwing righty what he would do first if he found out he would be traded in only a week's time.

Pete Fairbanks answered this question candidly and quite honestly. He stated, "We will probably start looking for schools in St. Louis." This was an interesting response from the 31-year old hurler who seems to have an insight on where he could be headed if the 2025 season goes south.

The Rays have made multiple deals with the Cardinals recently as they acquired outfielder Richie Palacios for All-Star reliever Andrew Kittredge in January of 2024. Tampa Bay also sent another accomplished relief pitcher in Shawn Armstrong to St. Louis for recently non-tendered switch-hitter Dylan Carlson. Therefore, this destination wouldn't come as a shock to anybody as the Rays seem to enjoy dealing relievers to the NL Central club.

At the moment, the Cardinals are in rebuild mode and pitching is certainly one facet of their game they'd like to improve. Their bullpen is led by two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, but trade rumors have circled him all offseason. If the Cardinals decide to pursue Fairbanks, then Helsley will probably also be traded.

It would be an interesting swap as the two closers are relatively similar in ability, but Fairbanks would save them around $5 million in payroll. The Rays could request the services of infielder Nolan Gorman to complete this hypothetical trade. The 24-year old is coming off of a down year, but he still managed to hit 19 home runs and drive in 50 runs in 107 games. A young player like him would be a great addition to a talented infield, but the Rays would definitely miss their animated flamethrower.