The Tampa Bay Rays exercised the $20-million club option on right-hander Drew Rasmussen's contract for 2027, the team announced Saturday.
Rasmussen becomes the highest-paid player annually in Rays history following the move, according to Rays reporter Ryan Bass.
The previous franchise record was held by Evan Longoria, who signed a six-year, $100-million deal ($16.67-million annual salary) in 2012.
Rasmussen put together a career year, authoring a 2.67 ERA and 2.82 FIP during his second straight All-Star campaign.
The 31-year-old has been terrific for the Rays since they acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in May 2021. He owns a 2.71 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 8.3 K/9 in 600 1/3 innings during six seasons with Tampa Bay.
Yandy Díaz's $13-million vesting option for the 2027 campaign was also formally completed by the Rays on Saturday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The designated hitter met the conditions by reaching 500 plate appearances this past year and completing the season healthy.
