AL champion Rays pick up $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027

In a move to retain their ace pitcher, the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays exercised their $20 million option on Drew Rasmussen for the 2027 season. This decision was made instead of paying him a $500,000 buyout. Rasmussen, a two-time All-Star, could have become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The option price for Rasmussen's contract increased from $8 million to $20 million due to his impressive performance in 2026. He remained healthy throughout the season and made at least 28 starts, making the contract worth $28 million over three seasons. Rasmussen earned $5.5 million this year as part of his $8.5 million, two-year deal signed in January 2025 to avoid arbitration.

The 31-year-old Rasmussen had a standout regular season, going 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA in 30 starts. His performance helped the Rays secure the AL East title. He was also instrumental in the team's World Series victory, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.20 ERA in five postseason starts. However, he took the loss in Game 5 of the World Series against Milwaukee after pitching four innings.

Despite his impressive 2026 season, Rasmussen faced setbacks in the postseason. In Game 2, he threw 89 pitches over 3 2/3 innings but left trailing 1-0, resulting in a no-decision. In Game 2 of the Division Series against the New York Yankees, he threw a no-hitter into the eighth inning and struck out 10 batters, securing a 1-0 victory and a 2-0 Series lead for Tampa Bay.