Rays and Drew Rasmussen strike a deal that could reach $28 million. This multi-year deal with a team option for 2027, which buys out his first Free Agent year, comes with a $500,000 signing bonus and is guaranteed for approximately $8 million.

-The righty who made his MLB debut in 2020 is expected to return as a starter this season after he returned last August from third elbow surgery.

-The deal guarantees Rasmussen $8.5 million but could be worth up to $28 million. He gets a $500,000 signing bonus, $2 million for 2025, $5.5 million for $2026 and a team option for 2027 for $8 million. (The option comes with escalators based on health and innings pitched that could push the total to as much as $20 million; the buyout is $500,000.)

-Rasmussen was one of six Rays remaining in the arbitration process, facing a Thursday 1 p.m. deadline to agree to terms or head to a hearing. …The other five are pitchers Zack Littell, Shane Baz, Garrett Cleavinger; infielder Taylor Walls; catcher Ben Rortvedt.

-In 44 starts with the Rays since the Willy Adames trade in 2021, Drew has a record of 18-9 with a 2.57 ERA, and a combination of 195 strikeouts and 48 walks over 227 2/3 innings.

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

Follow the show @LockedOnRaysFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LORays?sid=YouTube

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB

#RaysUp #LockedOnRays #RaysBaseball #TampaBayRays #ChampaBay #TeamTampaBay #TBRays #MLBPodcast

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rocket Money

Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/lockedon today.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

The NFL Playoffs are almost here, but it’s not too late to get in on the regular season action with FanDuel because right now, new customers can finish the season strong with TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)