Rays Intend to Keep Rasmussen Anchoring Rotation for 2027

The Tampa Bay Rays intend to keep ace Drew Rasmussen at the front of their rotation in 2027, according to president of baseball operations Erik Neander. Speaking about the AL champions' plans, Neander said he could say confidently that every intention right now is for Rasmussen to anchor the rotation, pushing back on trade speculation around the club's highest-paid player. Rasmussen enjoyed a career year in 2026, going 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA across 30 starts and a career-high 172 innings, earning his second All-Star selection. Tampa Bay exercised his 2027 club option, worth $20 million rather than a $500,000 buyout, after escalators lifted it from an $8 million base when he made at least 28 starts and stayed healthy. He can become a free agent after 2027. The statement matters because the Rays have already seen fellow starters Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta reach free agency, leaving Rasmussen as the anchor of a staff that carried the club to the American League title. Keeping him signals that Tampa Bay intend to defend their crown rather than cash in.