The Miami Marlins (52-48) are living in a nightmare right now.

Miami saw its losing streak hit a season-worst six games Sunday after reliever Pete Fairbanks surrendered a walk-off, three-run home run to William Contreras in the ninth inning of the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

"If I didn't want to break my hand, I would have hit quite a few things. This is the most trying three-month stretch I've ever had in the game of baseball," Fairbanks said after the game.

The 32-year-old signed a one-year, $13 million contract during the offseason to serve as the Marlins' closer, tasked with recording the game's most important three outs.

Unfortunately, it has been anything but that for Fairbanks.

Fairbanks' latest outing saw his season ERA increase to 7.42.

In 33 games pitched this season, he has allowed 32 hits, 25 earned runs, eight home runs and 14 walks.

The Marlins were in a similar position during their first season in their new ballpark, now named loanDepot park.

The club had signed reliever Heath Bell to a three-year, $27 million contract during the offseason, but he was temporarily removed from the closer role in May 2012 after blowing four of his first seven save tries and posting an 11.42 ERA in 11 games.

The Marlins wounded up trading Bell Oct. 20, 2012 to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-team trade.

For a club looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2023, having a closer issue in late-July is a huge, huge concern.

That is why Marlins President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix and his staff need to put their thinking caps on and figure out what to do with Fairbanks.

With the MLB trade deadline set for Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET, the club has exactly two weeks to determine whether it's best to simply designate Fairbanks for assignment and eat the $13 million, find a trade partner willing to make a deal, or demote him from the closer role and have someone like Michael Petersen, who has been a solid addition to the bullpen this season, take over.

Miami could also turn to Anthony Bender, who already has closing experience, but he is currently sidelined with a right shin stress reaction.

Placed on the injured list June 30, Bender is expected to return in late July or early August.

If Miami wants to take the next step and play into October, it needs certainty in the most important spot in the bullpen.

The time to address the closer position is now.

Closers the Marlins Could Target at the Deadline

Assuming the Marlins move on from Fairbanks entirely, here are a couple names the Marlins could target at the deadline:

LHP Aroldis Chapman (Boston Red Sox) - The Red Sox have won 13 straight games, likely taking themselves out of the sellers' category for now. Still, if Boston falls out of the playoff picture before Aug. 3, Chapman could become an intriguing option. Even at 38, the veteran left-hander continues to produce and would give Miami an experienced ninth-inning body.

RHP Kirby Yates (Los Angeles Angels) - The Angels have an MLB-worst 39-61 record entering play Monday. Yates remains one of the more accomplished late-inning relievers available if the Angels decide to move veterans. His closing experience and ability to get critical outs would make him an appealing replacement for Fairbanks.

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