As spring training gears up, Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash has already made a decisive call: Drew Rasmussen will be the Opening Day starter when the Rays face off against the Cardinals in St. Louis on March 26th.
Rasmussen expressed his excitement, saying, "I’m really honored. It’s really cool to get the opportunity to pitch on opening day.
Just being given the opportunity, it is a blessing, and it is humbling. And I’m excited for the opportunity."
At 30, Rasmussen's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Initially drafted by the Rays in 2017, he didn't sign and was later picked by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 6th round of the 2018 draft.
He made his MLB debut in 2020 and joined the Rays in 2021 after a trade for Willy Adames. Rasmussen's talent shone brightly in 2022, and he was on track to be a Cy Young contender in 2023 before an unfortunate arm injury sidelined him for most of the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Last year marked his triumphant return to full-time starting duties, earning him an All-Star nod. Rasmussen posted a 2.76 ERA with a 3.84 FIP, striking out 21.7% of batters and walking just 6.3% over 150 innings. The Rays were cautious with his workload due to past injuries, capping his outings at six innings despite his impressive form.
Looking ahead to 2026, pitching coach Kyle Snyder is optimistic about Rasmussen's role, suggesting it's "very reasonable" to expect him to deliver 170 innings this season. Along with his responsibilities on the mound, Rasmussen will also take on a leadership role as the team's MLBPA representative, further cementing his importance to the clubhouse.
With Rasmussen leading the charge, the Rays are poised for an exciting season, and fans can expect him to play a pivotal role in their success.