The Tampa Bay Rays are shaking up their bullpen in a big way for 2026, and it’s already sparking debate among fans. With Pete Fairbanks’ $11 million option left on the table, the team is opting for a bold strategy: a closer-by-committee approach. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Garrett Cleavinger, Griffin Jax, and Edwin Uceta are expected to share the ninth-inning duties. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a genius move to maximize flexibility, or a risky gamble that could backfire in high-pressure situations? Cleavinger, fresh off his career-best 2025 season (2.35 ERA, 82:18 K:BB over 61.1 innings), seems like a natural fit. His neutral splits mean he’s equally effective against lefties and righties, giving manager Kevin Cash plenty of options. But will this committee approach work when the lights are brightest? And this is the part most people miss—without a designated closer, the Rays could either thrive with unpredictability or struggle with inconsistency. What do you think? Is this the future of bullpen management, or a recipe for chaos? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re looking to dominate your fantasy league, don’t miss out on RotoWire’s premium tools—sign up now to stay ahead of the game!
