Rays exercise $20m option on pitcher Drew Rasmussen

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 01:50 · Archive

The Tampa Bay Rays have exercised their $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027.

The AL champion Tampa Bay Rays have exercised their $20 million option on pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027 rather than pay a $500,000 buyout. The two-time All-Star can become a free agent after next season.

Rasmussen went 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA in 30 regular season starts in 2026, helping the Rays to an AL East title. He was 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA in five postseason starts as Tampa Bay won its third pennant. The 31-year-old earned a $5.5 million salary this year as part of an $8.5 million, two-year deal agreed in January 2025.

The 2027 option price increased from $8 million to $20 million because Rasmussen remained healthy throughout the 2026 season and made at least 28 starts, making the contract worth $28 million over three seasons. In the World Series against Milwaukee, Rasmussen started Game 5 on three days' rest and took the loss as the Brewers won 4-1 to clinch their first championship.

How it is being reported

• AL champion Rays pick up $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027The AL champion Tampa Bay Rays have exercised their $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen.Clickorlando · 1 Nov, 01:16
• AL champion Rays pick up $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027The AL champion Tampa Bay Rays have exercised their $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen.News4Jax · 1 Nov, 01:16

In this story: Drew Rasmussen · Tampa Bay Rays · Milwaukee Brewers · New York Yankees · St. Petersburg

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