Tampa Bay Rays may trade Drew Rasmussen due to 2027 contract escalators

The Tampa Bay Rays are considering a potential trade of starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen as the team navigates internal salary constraints. Rasmussen, who currently holds a 2.95 ERA, has seen his 2027 club option increase from $8.5 million to $18.5 million due to contractual escalators tied to starts and time spent on the injured list. If he remains active through the end of the 2026 season, that figure is projected to reach $20 million. Such a sum would exceed the highest salary the franchise has ever paid a player for a single season. Management could choose to exercise the option and subsequently trade the pitcher if the cost exceeds the organization's established budget parameters. Rasmussen has been a consistent contributor for the team since joining the starting rotation in 2021.

• 5:09 PMYahoo Sports — Rays might end up trading 2.95 ERA All-Star pitcher amid $20M problem