The Tampa Bay Rays exercised their $20 million club option for 2027 on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen, avoiding a $500,000 buyout. The two‑time All‑Star earned $5.5 million this season under a two‑year, $8.5 million deal struck in January 2025. His 2027 option increased to $20 million after he stayed healthy and made at least 28 starts in 2026, giving him a $28 million three‑year contract. Rasmussen posted a 16‑5 record with a 2.67 ERA in 30 regular‑season starts, helping the Rays win the AL East and a third pennant. He was 2‑1 with a 2.20 ERA in five postseason games, including a Game 5 start in the World Series where he took the loss after Milwaukee clinched their first title. The 31‑year‑old also tossed a no‑hitter into the eighth inning in the Division Series opener and struck out 10. In other moves, the Rays declined mutual options on starting pitcher Nick Martinez and outfielder Cedric Mullins, each with $20 million club options and $4 million/$500,000 buyouts respectively.
Key entities include teams: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers; players: Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Cedric Mullins; locations: St. Petersburg, Florida, Milwaukee, New York.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing