{"id":93463,"date":"2025-01-07T15:19:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T20:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=93463"},"modified":"2025-01-07T15:27:21","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T20:27:21","slug":"rays-drew-rasmussen-contract-extension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/01\/07\/rays-drew-rasmussen-contract-extension\/","title":{"rendered":"Rays Finalize Multiyear Extension for Prominent Starter"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly finalizing a multiyear contract extension with right-hander Drew Rasmussen<\/a>, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a>. Rasmussen’s agency, Beverly Hills Sports Council<\/a> confirmed that it’s a two-year, $8.5 million contract with an option for a third year that can take the deal to $28 million. The deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus, a $2 million salary for 2025, $5.5 million in 2026 and an $8 million club option for 2027. That could escalate to as much as $20 million based on performance incentives. If the option is declined, Rasmussen will receive the $500,000 buyout.<\/p>\n

The extension solidifies Rasmussen’s role in Tampa Bay’s starting rotation while offering financial security and potential upside for both parties.<\/p>\n

Rays, Drew Rasmussen Agree to Two-Year Extension<\/h2>\n

Since joining the Rays in 2021, Rasmussen has been a key contributor to the pitching staff. Initially used as a reliever, he transitioned to a starting role in 2022, showcasing his ability to handle increased workloads. Over his time with the Rays, Rasmussen has posted a 2.98 ERA across 44 starts, establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable arms.<\/p>\n

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Drew Rasmussen is an immensely talented pitcher who dominated last year after coming back from yet another elbow surgery.<\/p>\n

Expect some decline in stuff as his stints stretch out, but this is absolutely an arm I\u2019d want to bet on. Love this investment. https:\/\/t.co\/fzHLA45tPc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XC7Q2QMrqw<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Rays Metrics (@RaysMetrics) January 7, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n