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5h ago

Rays Exercise $20 Million Option on Drew Rasmussen

Securing Rasmussen’s club option guarantees Tampa Bay team control of a top starting pitcher for 2027.

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Oct 28, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) reacts during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game five of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Rays announced through reporter Marc Topkin that they picked up the $20 million club option on right-hander Drew Rasmussen, keeping him under contract for the 2027 season.
  • Rasmussen finished the 2026 season as the Rays’ ace with a 16-5 record, a 2.67 ERA in 30 starts, and his second straight American League All-Star selection.
  • The team now faces rotation decisions after Nick Martinez declined his mutual option, leaving at least one open starting spot for 2027.
  • Picking up the option preserves Tampa Bay’s control of Rasmussen but does not rule out a trade because teams are allowed to move players after exercising club options.
  • The move is framed as cost-effective for the Rays given league salaries for top starters and it shapes offseason choices about payroll, rotation depth, and how the club builds off its World Series run.