Drew Rasmussen – Tampa Bay Rays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Drew Rasmussen has quickly become one of the Tampa Bay Rays’ most valuable pitchers since joining the team.

The former Mt. Spokane High School ace has shown remarkable skill on the mound, and the Rays rewarded him with a significant contract extension.

Rasmussen’s contract with the Rays guarantees him $8.5 million but could be worth up to $28 million over three seasons. That’s a pretty clear sign the team believes in what he brings.

Rasmussen’s journey to the majors hasn’t been easy, but he’s pushed through the challenges to secure his spot in MLB.

His salary sits at $739,700 per year for now, but under his new deal, he’ll see that jump—he’s set to make $2 million this year.

That kind of financial progress shows just how much the Rays value him in their rotation.

For Rasmussen, the new contract isn’t just about money.

It’s a nod to his hard work and the team’s faith in what’s ahead.

With a current net worth estimated at $2,466,083, Rasmussen’s financial life looks a lot different than it did in his early days.

He stands out as both a baseball success story and a smart investment for the Rays.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Drew Rasmussen’s road to professional baseball started in the Pacific Northwest.

Even as a kid, his natural talent was obvious.

He grew through high school and college, showing off not just athletic ability but a real drive to get better at pitching.

Family Background and Childhood

Drew Rasmussen was born on July 27, 1995, in Puyallup, Washington.

He grew up in a family that supported his love for sports from the start.

The Pacific Northwest, with its strong baseball community, gave him plenty of chances to play and compete.

His parents saw his arm strength early on, just tossing a ball around in the backyard.

They signed him up for local baseball programs, and coaches immediately noticed what he could do.

By his early teens, Rasmussen already had a reputation as a hard-throwing pitcher with impressive control for his age.

That set the stage for what came next.

High School Achievements

Rasmussen went to Mt. Spokane High School in Spokane, Washington.

He quickly became one of the top pitching talents in the state.

Throughout high school, he dominated local teams with a powerful fastball and improving off-speed pitches.

As a senior, he led Mt. Spokane to new levels in the state baseball tournament.

His performance earned him All-State honors and drew interest from colleges all over.

Scouts from pro teams noticed him too, especially his velocity and command.

Although the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the 39th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, Rasmussen decided to go to college and keep developing.

College Baseball at Oregon State

At Oregon State University, Rasmussen grew into one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball.

He joined the Beavers in 2015 and made an immediate impact.

As a freshman, Rasmussen threw a perfect game against Washington State on March 21, 2015.

Ten strikeouts, no baserunners—the first perfect game in Oregon State history.

But his college career hit a snag when he needed Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss significant time.

He came back, though, and got back to form.

Before transferring to Clemson University, Rasmussen helped Oregon State reach the College World Series.

He showed he could perform on the biggest stage in college baseball.

His combination of velocity and control made him a top pitching prospect.

Professional Baseball Career

Drew Rasmussen’s professional baseball journey is all about perseverance and big moments with the Tampa Bay Rays.

He went from draft pick to established MLB pitcher, and it’s been quite a ride.

MLB Draft and Minor League Journey

The Milwaukee Brewers picked Rasmussen 31st overall in the 2017 MLB Draft.

He faced some tough breaks early on, needing two Tommy John surgeries before even reaching the big leagues.

He worked his way through the Brewers’ farm system, then landed with the Tampa Bay Rays in May 2021 as part of the Willy Adames trade.

That trade turned out to be a huge turning point for him.

In the minors, Rasmussen pitched mostly as a reliever.

He showed off a fastball that regularly hit 97-98 mph.

His time there helped him sharpen his secondary pitches, especially his slider.

Tampa Bay Rays Tenure

With the Rays, Rasmussen finally found his place as a major leaguer.

He signed a two-year contract worth $8.5 million with Tampa Bay, and that deal could reach $28 million with the right incentives.

He shifted from reliever to starter, showing how well the Rays develop pitching talent.

His breakout happened in the 2022 season when he became a reliable part of the rotation.

In August 2022, he nearly threw a perfect game against the Baltimore Orioles, taking it into the ninth inning.

He didn’t quite finish it, but that game really put his potential on display in the American League.

The 2023-24 seasons brought injury setbacks, but the Rays kept him on the roster and continued to invest in his future.

Notable Teammates and Highlights

Rasmussen has pitched alongside some serious talent in Tampa Bay.

He and Shane McClanahan formed a formidable one-two punch in the rotation when both were healthy.

In the outfield, Randy Arozarena backed him up with offense and some highlight-reel defense.

This kind of teamwork has helped keep the Rays competitive in the tough AL East.

A few career highlights for Rasmussen:

• Near-perfect game against Baltimore (August 2022)
• Career-best 11 wins in 2022
• Postseason experience with the Rays
• Building a reputation for mental toughness after multiple surgeries

You’ll see his games on ESPN a lot, with analysts often talking up his comeback story and technical pitching style.

Injuries, Surgeries, and Comebacks

Drew Rasmussen’s career really shows what resilience looks like in baseball.

He’s battled through some serious medical setbacks, and honestly, his comeback story is pretty inspiring.

Tommy John Surgery History

Rasmussen’s medical issues started early—he had his first Tommy John surgery while pitching for Oregon State.

That surgery, which fixes the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow, usually means at least a year out.

Then, in a rare twist, Rasmussen needed a second Tommy John surgery soon after the Rays drafted him.

That puts him in a pretty small group of pitchers.

Most incredibly, he underwent a third elbow surgery in July 2023.

Coming back from that? It’s almost unheard of.

Drew Rasmussen’s return to the Rays after his third surgery has been called “a terrific comeback tale” by folks around the game.

Elbow and Knee Injuries

Rasmussen faced more than just elbow issues.

In 2023, the Rays put him on the IL after he felt discomfort in his pitching arm during a May start against the Yankees.

Scans showed a flexor strain that eventually needed surgery.

That came at a tough time, since he had a 2.62 ERA before the injury.

He also dealt with knee problems during rehab.

Those extra issues meant he needed special training to keep his legs strong while protecting his elbow.

Rehabilitation and Return to Play

Rasmussen’s rehab after his third elbow surgery followed a careful, step-by-step plan.

The Rays’ medical staff started him with light throwing and slowly ramped up the intensity.

During the 2023-2024 offseason, he focused on rebuilding arm strength.

He did specialized resistance training, controlled bullpen sessions, biomechanical assessments, and regular medical checkups.

In 2024 spring training, Rasmussen threw under strict pitch counts and inning limits.

The Rays made it clear they cared more about his long-term health than immediate results.

When he finally returned to the majors, he showed real mental toughness.

He tweaked his pitching mechanics to put less strain on his elbow but still kept his stuff effective.

Impact of Injuries on Career

All these surgeries have definitely shaped Rasmussen’s career path.

He missed a lot of key development time, so his journey has been anything but standard.

Still, he’s adapted.

He changed up his pitch mix to avoid high-stress throws and focused more on command and movement.

His contracts now include injury clauses and performance incentives, which makes sense given his medical history.

But maybe the most important thing—Rasmussen has become an inspiration for other players dealing with big injuries.

His persistence shows what’s possible with a mix of modern medicine and sheer determination.

Drew Rasmussen’s Contract Details

Drew Rasmussen’s financial setup with the Tampa Bay Rays reflects how much he’s grown in value as a big-league pitcher.

His contract shows both careful planning and the team’s willingness to bet on his future.

Current Contract Terms

Rasmussen is under a 2-year, $8.5 million contract with the Rays.

This deal, covering 2025-2026, includes a $500,000 signing bonus and is fully guaranteed.

For the 2025 season, he’s earning $2 million, a solid jump from what he made before.

His pay is set to rise to $5.5 million in 2026, which shows the Rays’ growing commitment.

There’s also a team option for 2027 with a $500,000 buyout if the Rays decide not to pick it up.

This setup gives Rasmussen some security while letting the team keep its options open.

Contract Extension Negotiations

Rasmussen’s current deal came out of extension talks that worked for both sides.

The Rays are known for managing their payroll carefully, but they saw enough in Rasmussen to invest.

With bonuses and the 2027 option, the extension could reach up to $28 million.

That’s a big commitment for a pitcher with his injury history, but also a sign of real faith.

Unlike some players who go it alone in contract talks, Rasmussen used traditional representation to get a deal that fit his career goals.

Salary Progression Over the Years

Rasmussen has watched his earning power climb since he entered MLB. Before his current contract, he made $739,700, which is pretty typical for a pre-arbitration player under team control.

He’ll jump to $2 million in 2025—a leap of nearly 300%. That says a lot about his performance and the fact that he’s now arbitration-eligible.

The Rays will pay him $5.5 million in 2026, showing even more faith in what he brings to the mound.

This salary progression has pushed Rasmussen’s net worth to about $2.47 million. If he stays healthy and keeps performing, that number should only go up.

These structured increases give him some financial security and a reason to keep pushing his development.

The Rays clearly believe in Rasmussen’s potential, even with the usual risks that come with pitching contracts.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Drew Rasmussen has built up solid wealth through his baseball career. His financial profile expanded a lot after he signed his recent extension with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Estimated Net Worth in 2025

As of May 2025, Drew Rasmussen’s net worth sits at $2,466,083. That’s a big jump from previous years, mainly thanks to his two-year extension signed in January 2025.

He and his team calculate net worth by tallying up career earnings, signing bonuses, and contract guarantees, then subtracting estimated taxes and living expenses. That number probably doesn’t include every endorsement or private investment.

Rasmussen’s finances put him in a comfortable spot among MLB pitchers with similar experience. He’s not at the very top of the pay scale, but his new contract shows that teams value what he brings.

Salary Earnings and Endorsements

Most of Rasmussen’s income comes straight from his baseball salary. His latest contract guarantees $8.5 million over two years with the Rays, plus a $500,000 signing bonus.

Here’s how his annual salary breaks down:

• 2025 season: $2 million base salary
• 2024 season: $739,700

By agreeing to this deal, he and the team avoided salary arbitration. If he hits certain performance goals, the contract could be worth as much as $28 million. Those incentives probably tie to things like innings pitched, ERA, or All-Star nods.

Rasmussen keeps a pretty low profile when it comes to endorsements. He hasn’t landed the big deals that some MLB stars have, but those could come if he keeps shining on the field.

Investments and Wealth Management

Rasmussen hasn’t shared many details about how he invests, but most pro athletes at his level work with wealth managers to build diversified portfolios.

MLB players often invest in:

• Real estate (their homes and investment properties)
• Stocks and bonds
• Business ventures
• Retirement accounts (including MLB pension plans)

As a former Mt. Spokane High School ace, Rasmussen probably keeps some ties to Spokane, which could influence where he invests. Lots of athletes put money into their hometowns or wherever they’re playing.

Since he’s still early in his career, his financial team likely focuses on protecting what he’s earned while looking for smart ways to grow it. That’s especially important in baseball, where careers can be short and unpredictable.

Postseason Experience and Recognition

Drew Rasmussen has shown real grit and skill in the MLB playoffs. He’s built a reputation for handling high-pressure moments, earning respect from teammates and fans.

Playoff Appearances and Performances

Rasmussen made his postseason debut with the Rays in 2021. He pitched in two games against the Red Sox in the ALDS, covering 2.1 innings and posting a 3.86 ERA.

He stood out in Game 1, tossing a scoreless inning that kept the Rays in a tight battle. Manager Kevin Cash trusted him in big spots, even though he was still pretty new to the postseason.

“When the lights get brightest, you see who can handle the moment,” a Rays teammate said about Rasmussen’s cool playoff presence. His composure in those situations led to more chances in high-leverage spots.

Awards and Career Milestones

Rasmussen hasn’t snagged any major awards just yet, but he’s already hit some impressive milestones. In August 2022, he almost made history by taking a perfect game into the ninth against the Orioles, coming just three outs short.

The Rays showed their appreciation by signing him to a two-year extension worth $8.5 million, with the possibility of reaching $28 million if he hits certain incentives. That contract says a lot about how much the organization values him.

Rasmussen’s path from Oregon State star to MLB pitcher—especially after two Tommy John surgeries—might be his most impressive feat. That kind of determination is tough to teach.

Media Coverage and Public Image

Rasmussen’s caught more and more attention from media outlets like ESPN, especially after that almost-perfect game of his.

Analysts love to point out his four-seam fastball and slider combo. It’s worked well against some of the best hitters out there.

People mostly see Rasmussen as the definition of perseverance. He’s bounced back from several major surgeries and still managed to become a reliable starter.

He keeps a pretty low profile on social media. You’ll notice he focuses on his performance, not really on building up a flashy public image.

Baseball writers tend to call him a “pitcher’s pitcher.” He leans on command and movement, not just raw velocity.

His thoughtful approach and strong work ethic seem to earn him respect in baseball circles.

Rasmussen shows up for the Rays in a positive way, whether he’s involved in the community or just carrying himself professionally.