{
  "id": 17507896,
  "title": "AL champion Rays pick up $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/al-champion-rays-pick-up-20-million-option-on-ace-pitcher-drew",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T01:17:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/baseball/2026/10/31/al-champion-rays-pick-up-20-million-option-on-ace-pitcher-drew-rasmussen-for-2027"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nDespite 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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Tampa Bay Rays opt for $20M extension with ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027.",
    "Rasmussen's performance led to $28M total contract over three seasons.",
    "Rasmussen won AL East title and World Series with Tampa Bay in 2026."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Securing the veteran starter through 2027 prioritizes long-term stability for the reigning champions by investing heavily in the core pitching talent that drove their recent postseason success.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "AL champion Rays pick up $20 million option on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen for 2027",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/al-champion-rays-pick-up-20-million-option-on-ace-pitcher-drew-17509541",
        "published": "2026-11-01T01:16:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}