​Pete Fairbanks hasn’t delivered the season Miami Marlins imagined when they signed him to a one-year, $13 million deal last winter. Yet as the trade deadline nears, that reality may matter a lot less than it once seemed. In baseball, contenders have long shown a willingness to bet on upside over harsh surface numbers, and Fairbanks still carries plenty of both. He owns a 7.27 ERA this season, though that figure is misleading because nearly half of the earned runs he has allowed came in just three appearances. Beneath those rough numbers, his underlying indicators remain encouraging. Fairbanks continues to average 97.3 mph on his fastball and has struck out 28.8% of opposing hitters. His expected ERA paints a far brighter picture than his traditional stats, suggesting there’s substantial value still to extract from his arm even after a disappointing first half.
That potential could become important if Miami decides to move him before Aug. 3. The Marlins currently sit in an intriguing spot, thanks to a strong June that propelled them back into the National League Wild Card conversation. Peter Bendix’s deadline plans are therefore far less straightforward than they appeared a month ago. In a manner reminiscent of the 2023 MLB trade deadline, Miami could look to five realistic moves to bolster their roster.
First, the Marlins are prioritizingMagnetizing their lineup with an impact bat to improve playoff chances. Reports from Jim Bowden of The Athletic indicate Miami is willing to part with top pitching prospects in order to add offensive talent, with a particular emphasis on upgrading at third base. Among the names floated are Josh Jung, Royce Lewis, and Nolan Gorman. Royce Lewis stands out as a particularly logical and cost-effective option for Miami. The Twins, who would typically be seeking pitching upgrades themselves, may be open to trading Lewis. Additionally, Lewis’ affordable $2.85 million salary fits comfortably within the Marlins’ tight budget. While Lewis has battled injuries, his power potential is evident when healthy, and he is controllable through 2028, making him an appealing fit to strengthen Miami’s middle order.
Beyond Lewis, Nolan Gorman is another name that resonates as a strong fit for what the Marlins want. As Bowden noted, Miami is prioritizing third base and exploring how to add another bat to the lineup. The goal isn’t simply about reaching the postseason; it’s about making a deep run, which will require both a sturdy rotation and a formidable lineup. Whether Gorman or Jung ultimately lands in Miami could hinge on whether the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals decide to part with either player.
Miami’s rotation has exceeded expectations, but injuries have underscored a lack of depth behind their best arms. Adding a reliable veteran like Michael Wacha would address that need. Wacha has posted an ERA under 4.00 in each of the past four seasons, offering a trustworthy source of innings and stability that would help bridge the gap during a demanding stretch run. His presence could provide the kind of steadying influence and durability the Marlins require as they balance a potential postseason push with the realities of a tight budget and a crowded market.
In short, Fairbanks’ performance might not derail the Marlins’ plans if a suitor presents a compelling deal, but the bigger storyline shapes a more pressing objective: Miami’s pursuit of a bat to strengthen the lineup, preferably at third base, to complement a promising rotation and a hungry postseason mindset. The coming days will determine whether Miami’s path involves acquiring a controllable middle-order bat such as Lewis or Gorman, tempering the risk with a veteran starter to shore up depth, or a combination of moves designed to maximize their chances in a wide-open NL playoff landscape.