Rays finalizing extremely team-friendly extension with returning top pitcher

The Rays are finalizing a contract extension with one of their best starting pitchers. Returning from multiple injuries that plagued him in 2023 and most of 2024, Rasmussen will now be able to focus his efforts on a healthy 2025 season.

According to the reports from Marc Topkin, the 29-year old hurler will receive $2 million in 2025 and $5.5 million in 2026. He will be able to earn an $8 million option in 2027 or choose to test free agency. The extensive details of this deal will benefit both the Rays and Rasmussen, as it will allow the hard-throwing right-hander to slowly ease back into a starting role with less pressure and incentives for future seasons.

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

When Drew Rasmussen returned from the IL at the end of the 2024 season, the Rays added him to the bullpen to give him a chance to work back to his starting potential. Now, with a full offseason and spring training ahead, the Washington native should be able to step into an already deep starting rotation.

The Rays acquired Rasmussen in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021. Milwaukee received power-hitting shortstop Willy Adames in the deal, but the Rays were satisfied with their strong pitching return of Rasmussen and Feyereisen. In 2021 and 2022, J.P Feyereisen was a lockdown reliever out of the pen. Rasmussen also had the best season of his young career in 2022, as he recorded an 11-7 record with a 2.84 ERA in 146 innings of work.

Drew Rasmussen returned from Tommy John surgery, and uh... oh my pic.twitter.com/dQ5o4T3uhp
— Fuzzy (@fuzzyfromyt) August 9, 2024

In only 28 innings in 2024, Rasmussen recorded a 2.83 ERA and struck out 35 opposing hitters. The talented pitcher also walked only six hitters, further showing that he is healthy and ready to pick up where he left off in 2023.

The 2025 season will have its quirks, as the Rays will play their home games in a minor league ballpark, but one thing that will be a mainstay in the organization is their deep and uber-talented pitching staff.

Led by ace lefty, Shane McClanahan, the rotation will also include sophomore hurlers, Ryan Pepiot, Taj Bradley, and Shane Baz. Recently acquired flamethrower, Joe Boyle will also get a shot at a starting role, as the filthiness of his arsenal is second to none. Therefore, this well-articulated Rasmussen deal will give the Rays insurmountable depth heading into the season.

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