Drew Rasmussen and the Tampa Bay Rays reached a two-year, $8.5 million agreement, avoiding salary arbitration. The deal could be valued at up to $28 million over three years, inclusive of a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries of $2 million for 2026 and $5.5 million in 2027.
The contract features an $8 million option for the 2027 season, with specific escalators tied to his health and performance. Notably, if Rasmussen maintains a healthy arm, he could benefit from up to $6 million in escalators based on the number of injured-list days and starts made in 2026.
Rasmussen, who turned 29, underwent elbow surgery in July 2023 and made his return in August, finishing the season with a solid 2.82 ERA despite limited starts. He has a history of injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries, but has shown promise in his five-year career with the Rays and Milwaukee, boasting a 20-12 record. Currently, five Rays players remain eligible for arbitration, highlighting the dynamic roster changes in Tampa Bay.
