Rays make Drew Rasmussen decision days after World Series defeat

· Yahoo Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays have made an important decision regarding one of their top starting pitchers just days after their World Series defeat. The Rays announced Saturday that they have exercised their club option on right-hander Drew Rasmussen for the 2027 MLB season, keeping him under contract for $20 million.

The decision comes shortly after Tampa Bay’s five-game World Series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, with Rasmussen having played a major role in the Rays’ run to the Fall Classic. The move ensures Tampa Bay will have its ace back in the rotation as the organization looks to build on a 2026 season that ended with an American League pennant.

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Rays pick up Rasmussen’s $20 million option

Oct 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) reacts against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Rasmussen’s option originally carried an $8 million base value, but escalators increased it to $20 million after he reached the necessary health and innings benchmarks during the 2026 season. The Rays ultimately decided the price was worth paying to retain one of the best pitchers in the American League.

The 31-year-old delivered the best regular season of his career in 2026, going 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 174 strikeouts over 172 innings in 30 starts. He also earned his second consecutive All-Star selection.

Rasmussen continued to pitch effectively during the postseason. He posted a 2.20 ERA over 28⅔ innings while helping Tampa Bay reach the World Series. He also delivered one of the biggest performances of the Rays’ postseason run, throwing eight innings of one-hit ball with 10 strikeouts against the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Rasmussen returns after strong postseason

Tampa Bay Rays Kevin Cash (16) acknowledges starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) during a pitching change against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning in game two of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field on Oct. 24, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Photo by Matt Marton.

Rasmussen’s return is particularly notable given the uncertainty surrounding his future immediately after the World Series. Following his Game 5 start against Milwaukee, Rasmussen acknowledged the business side of the decision while making it clear that he wanted to remain with Tampa Bay.

The Rays gave him the opportunity to finish the season on the mound, asking him to start Game 5 on short rest. He allowed one run over four innings in Tampa Bay’s season-ending loss.

Now, Rasmussen will return for another season in Tampa Bay after establishing himself as one of the organization’s most valuable players.

The $20 million salary is significant for a Rays organization that has historically operated with a much smaller payroll than many of baseball’s biggest-market teams. However, exercising the option demonstrates just how highly Tampa Bay values Rasmussen following his outstanding 2026 campaign.

The Rays now have their ace under contract for 2027, giving the team another major piece to build around after reaching the World Series for the first time since 2020.

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