AL champion Rays pick up $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027
(AP) — The AL champion Tampa Bay Rays exercised their $20 million option Saturday on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen.Tampa Bay picked up the 2027 club option on Rasmussen's contract rather than pay him a $500,000 buyout.
The Tampa Bay Rays have decided to pick up the $20 million club option for their star pitcher Drew Rasmussen for the 2027 season. The decision was made instead of paying him a $500,000 buyout. Rasmussen, a two-time All-Star, is now eligible to become a free agent following next season. In the 2026 season, Rasmussen had a stellar performance, going 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA in 30 starts, which helped the Rays secure the AL East title.
His exceptional performance continued into the postseason, where he went 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA in five starts and pitched in Game 5 of the World Series against Milwaukee, though he took the loss as the Brewers won the game 4-1. Throughout his career, Rasmussen has had three major elbow operations, including two Tommy John surgeries and an internal brace procedure.
He has made 172 innings in the regular season and 28 2/3 more in the postseason, amassing a 46-22 record with a 2.83 ERA over seven seasons with the Milwaukee and Tampa Bay organizations.
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- AL champion Rays pick up $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027 winnipegfreepress.com
