Rays pick up Drew Rasmussen's club option for '27

ST. PETERSBURG -- Drew Rasmussen stood in front of his locker in the Rays' clubhouse late Wednesday night, tears in his eyes, admittedly uncertain what the future may hold for him. At least one part of that picture was clear, as the Rays exercised the right-hander’s $20 million club option for the 2027 season. This ensured that Rasmussen could rest assured that his salary was set after a tremendous season punctuated by a strong performance in the postseason spotlight, alleviating any worries about being a free agent amid so much uncertainty.

However, questions about Rasmussen’s future persisted, as the Rays had never paid a player $20 million in one year. The highest single-season salary in Tampa Bay’s franchise history was $15 million, earned by Charlie Morton in 2019. Rasmussen’s option was part of the extension he signed with the Rays in January 2025. The two-year deal guaranteed him $8.5 million, with a 2027 club option that started at $8 million with escalators that Rasmussen maximized during the best season of his career, increasing his option-year salary to $20 million.

Despite his talent and importance to the Rays, speculation arose about a possible trade this offseason. “I’ve got a lot of thoughts,” an emotional Rasmussen said after the Rays lost Game 5 of the World Series to the Brewers at Tropicana Field. When asked if he hoped to remain with the Rays, Rasmussen quickly replied, “I hope so,” though he was clearly aware of the business side of the sport affecting his situation. “I mean, I don’t know, man,” he continued, acknowledging the complexities tied to his salary on a lower-payroll team like Tampa Bay. “There’s a business element to this, and I understand that, and I just -- I don’t know.”

There remains no doubt regarding the incredibly strong bond between the Rays and Rasmussen or about the right-hander’s performance moving forward, especially after proving his abilities throughout an ace-level season and postseason. Rasmussen, 31, finished the regular season with a record of 16-5, a 2.67 ERA, and 174 strikeouts in 172 innings over 30 starts for the American League champion Rays. He led the AL with a 0.91 WHIP and set a career high for innings pitched.

During the playoffs, Rasmussen pitched three strong games to start his postseason run, then gave up three runs in 3 2/3 innings in Game 2 of the World Series before returning in Game 5 on three days’ rest -- the first time in his career as a true starter -- managing just one run on two hits over four innings in the Rays’ 4-1 loss to the Brewers. “He's a stud. That guy is a stud. His stuff was as sharp as it could have been,” manager Kevin Cash commented after the Rays were eliminated. “We had gone into the game saying it was 60 pitches or four innings. Stuck to that. That was the easiest call in the world to take him out of the ballgame. We've worked very hard with all of our pitchers and pride ourselves on doing right by them.”

The trust level between the Rays and Rasmussen increased significantly, especially considering his previous injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries. Rasmussen emphasized the support from the organization, stating, “This organization, man, it's the best. They always look out for me. They're doing their best to protect me, and unfortunately, their biggest enemy in that is myself.”

Rasmussen’s capabilities are evident. Since 2022, his 2.74 ERA ranks as the fourth lowest in the Majors among pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched, trailing only Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Chris Sale. Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder has referred to him as the most underrated starter in the Majors and “the standard” within the industry. The remaining question is whether the Rays will be willing to allocate $20 million for a single player, something they have never done before. However, if there is anyone they could consider breaking their precedent for, particularly after losing key starters Freddy Peralta and Nick Martinez to free agency, it is a legitimate ace like Rasmussen.