Revisiting the Drew Rasmussen trade: How Rays acquired ace that nearly no-hit Yankees in Game 1 of ALDS
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Revisiting the Drew Rasmussen trade: How Rays acquired ace that nearly no-hit Yankees in Game 1 of ALDS originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Drew Rasmussen twirled a gem in the Rays' Game 1 win over the Yankees. His display had some — particularly those of a Brewers disposition — thinking what could have been.
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Rasmussen blanked the Yankees for the better part of eight innings, surrendering just one hit as Tampa Bay secured a dramatic 1-0 win over its AL East rivals.
With six years in Rays colors under his belt, it's easy to forget that Rasmussen wasn't always a Floridian. In fact, he started his career in the NL Central, plying his trade with Milwaukee.
Then came a sudden move and a injection of life into Rasmussen's career. He's almost certainly grateful to have found his form in Tampa pastures. The Rays are, too.
With that, here's a look back at the Rasmussen trade.
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What was the Drew Rasmussen trade?
Rays receive:
- P Drew Rasmussen
- P J.P. Feyereisen
Brewers receive:
- SS Willy Adames
- P Trevor Richards
In May 2021, Rasmussen — then a highly-touted prospect with Milwaukee — was dealt to the Rays alongside reliever J.P. Feyereisen in exchange for Willy Adames and Trevor Richards.
The move appeared to make sense from a Brewers point of view. Milwaukee was flush with Grade-A talents in its rotation, including 2021 NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes. What it didn't have was steady production at shortstop. Adames filled that void comfortably, posting an .886 OPS and 137 OPS+ in 99 games with his new roster.
Tampa Bay didn't have to wait long to see Rasmussen emerge as a star. He posted a 2.86 ERA in his first full year as a Rays starter in 2022. Four years on, Rasmussen has collected two All-Star berths. He recorded the best WHIP in the league in 2026 and could very well land down-ballot AL Cy Young votes.
He also shined when the lights were at their brightest in Saturday's ALDS opener against the Yankees.
Where are Willy Adames and Trevor Richards now?
Adames enjoyed success in Brewers' colors, taking home NL MVP votes in 2024. He played 548 games for Milwaukee, amassing 107 home runs, 348 RBIs and a 112 OPS+.
The Dominican infielder hit the free agency market after the 2024 season. He landed an impressive deal with the Giants, agreeing terms to a seven-year, $182 million contract to take his talents to the Bay Area.
Adames enjoyed another decent year in 2025, but came back down to earth in 2026 — albeit after facing some injuries. He'll look to find his form for a San Francisco side that is likely to make changes after going 65-97 this year.
Richards, meanwhile, transitioned to a bullpen role after landing in Milwaukee. he didn't last very long in Brewers hues, joining the Blue Jays via trade in July 2021.
Now 33, Richards is a journeyman. He has played for nine teams in 13 seasons, most recently washing ashore with the White Sox this year. Richards posted a 3.78 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 78.2 innings for Chicago in 2026.
Drew Rasmussen stats vs Yankees
On a day that was littered with wondrous pitching outings, Rasmussen was a cut above his peers. Here's a look at his final line from Saturday's game.
- Innings pitched: 8.0
- Earned runs: 0
- Walks: 2
- Hits: 1
- ERA: 0.00
- Strikeouts: 10
Rasmussen looked to be baseball's best twirler for a brief moment on Saturday. If he can keep those displays going in his starts to come, it will prove hard for anyone to put Tampa Bay away.
Drew Rasmussen contract details
- Years: 2
- Contract value: $8.5 million
Rasmussen agreed terms to a two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Rays ahead of the 2025 season to avoid arbitration. The contract comes with a $20 million club option for the 2027 season. Given his exploits across his past two seasons — and his impressive metrics under the hood — Tampa Bay might want to exercise that clause.
Drew Rasmussen age
Rasmussen is 31 years old. He celebrated his 31st birthday on July 27. That puts him right in line with pitchers' primes, making it all the more likely that he'll command a nice payday in 2026 — be that in Tampa Bay or, on the off-chance the Rays decline his option, anywhere.