Overview
- The Rays exercised Rasmussen's escalated $20 million club option on Saturday and declined to pay the $500,000 buyout specified in his contract.
- Rasmussen earned the option by delivering a career year in 2026 with a 16-5 record, a 2.67 ERA, 174 strikeouts and 172 innings across 30 starts.
- The option jumped from $8 million to $20 million because Rasmussen met his contract's escalator by remaining healthy and making at least 28 starts.
- Tampa Bay also declined mutual options on Nick Martinez and Cedric Mullins, moves that free roster spots and create short-term payroll flexibility for the rotation and lineup.
- Rasmussen is under team control only for 2027 and can become a free agent after that season, making him both an extension priority and a potential trade asset that could shape the Rays' offseason strategy.