Rays Plan to Keep Drew Rasmussen in 2027 Rotation
Tampa Bay plans to keep All-Star pitcher Drew Rasmussen in its starting rotation for 2027, after exercising his $20 million option. President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander addressed the trade speculation after the Rays’ World Series loss.
The Tampa Bay Rays intend to have Drew Rasmussen lead their starting rotation in 2027, President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander said after the team’s season ended with a World Series loss. The comments answer speculation that the Rays might trade the All-Star after exercising his $20 million option for next season.
Rasmussen is under team control for one more season. In previous years, the Rays might have considered trade offers for a player nearing the end of that period, but Neander’s stated plan is to keep the pitcher in Tampa Bay.
With the option, Rasmussen would set a team record as its inaugural $20 million-per-season player. In 2026, Tampa Bay captured its division, the American League East, as well as the league championship, and the decision comes as the team enters the offseason under a new ownership group.
Rasmussen has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons and has delivered in both the regular season and the playoffs. Third baseman Junior Caminero is also viewed as a potential future high earner, though no contract details are provided. For now, the team’s stated plan is to build its 2027 rotation around Rasmussen.