Peter Anderson Fairbanks Bio
Peter Anderson Fairbanks is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays. Fairbanks was drafted by the Rangers in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB draft and made his MLB debut for the Rangers in 2019. Later that season, he was traded to the Rays, where he served as the team’s closer and achieved notable success, including winning the American League pennant in 2020.
Early Life and Background
Peter Fairbanks was born on December 16, 1993. He attended Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, Missouri, where he began to develop his skills as a pitcher. During his junior year, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which is a common procedure for baseball players recovering from elbow injuries. After high school, Fairbanks continued his education and baseball career at the University of Missouri, where he played for the Missouri Tigers from 2013 to 2015. He also spent summers playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League, specifically for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in 2013 and 2014.
Path to Baseball
Fairbanks was selected by the Texas Rangers in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB draft, being the 258th overall pick. He began his professional career with the Spokane Indians in the Class A Short Season Northwest League, where he had a solid debut season. Over the next few years, he continued to develop his skills in the minor leagues, playing for various teams including the Hickory Crawdads and the Down East Wood Ducks. Unfortunately, Fairbanks suffered a second torn UCL during the 2017 season, which required another Tommy John surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of that year and the entire 2018 season. He made his return in 2019 as a relief pitcher, quickly moving up the ranks and making his MLB debut on June 9, 2019, after being promoted from the minor leagues.
Peter Anderson Fairbanks Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Fairbanks began his professional career with the Spokane Indians in 2015, where he recorded a 3.14 ERA over 57 innings. He continued to progress through the minor leagues, but injuries hindered his development. After recovering from his surgeries, he returned to action in 2019, showcasing his potential as a relief pitcher. His strong performance in the minors led to his promotion to the Texas Rangers, where he made his MLB debut.
Breakthrough (2019–2025)
After being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2019, Fairbanks quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the team. In 2020, he played a crucial role in the Rays’ postseason run, recording a four-out save in Game 7 of the Championship Series against the Houston Astros, which helped the team win the American League pennant. Over the next few seasons, Fairbanks continued to excel, earning a reputation as a reliable closer. He signed a three-year, $12 million contract extension with the Rays in January 2023, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities.
Notable Works and Milestones
Fairbanks has achieved significant milestones throughout his career, including a win-loss record of 20–24 and an earned run average of 3.19 as of the end of the 2025 season. He has recorded 332 strikeouts and saved 90 games, solidifying his status as a key player in the league.
Peter Anderson Fairbanks Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Peter Fairbanks has been recognized for his contributions to the game, particularly during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. His performance in the postseason and regular season has garnered attention from fans and analysts alike.
Peter Anderson Fairbanks Awards Won
Fairbanks’s most notable achievement includes winning the American League pennant in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Rays, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Peter Anderson Fairbanks Family
Peter Fairbanks is married to Lydia, and together they have one son and one daughter. The couple has faced personal challenges, including the loss of their third child due to Turner syndrome.
Personal Life
Fairbanks’s father, Shane Fairbanks, played college baseball for the Missouri Tigers and had a brief career in minor league baseball with the Houston Astros organization. This familial connection to baseball has influenced Peter’s journey in the sport.