Rays sign Drew Rasmussen for 2025-2026 with a club option for 2027
The 2027 option covers his first year of free agency.
The Tampa Bay Rays announced they have signed RHP Drew Rasmussen to a two-year contract extension for the 2025 and 2026 seasons with a club option for 2027, when he would have been a free agent. He is currently entering his age-29 season.
The club option is worth up to $20 million if performance escalators are triggered through innings pitched, and providing new performance incentives for Rasmussen — who has had three elbow injuries that required surgery in his career, and will return to starting again this Spring.
BREAKING: #Rays working to finalize a multiyear extension for RHP Drew Rasmussen, who is planning a return to starting. Gets $500K signing bonus, $2M salary this year, $5.5M in 2026, $8M option for '27 (when he would be a FA) that could bump to as much as $20M (or $500K buyout)
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) January 7, 2025
Rasmussen made his 2024 season debut on August 7 after undergoing an internal brace procedure on July 24, 2023, and showcased a return to form. He held a 2.83 ERA (28.2 IP, 9 ER) with 35 strikeouts and six walks over 16 appearances (4 GS) with the Rays in 2024.
According to the team press release, he also did not allow a home run in his final 41.1 innings, the fifth-longest active streak in MLB at the conclusion of the season. In 72 appearances (50 GS) with the Rays from 2021-24, Rasmussen has a 2.95 ERA (310.2 IP, 102 ER), with 301 strikeouts and 82 walks.
Rasmussen was originally acquired from the Brewers on May 21, 2021 along with right-handed pitcher J.P. Feyereisen in exchange for infielder Willy Adames and right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards.
As things stand, Rasmussen projects as the sixth man in a rotation that includes Shane McClanahan, Taj Bradley, Ryan Pepiot, Zack Littell, and Shane Baz.