The Tampa Bay Rays are keeping their ace. The American League champions exercised Drew Rasmussen's $20 million option for 2027 on Saturday instead of paying him a $500,000 buyout.

The two-time All-Star can become a free agent after next season.

Rasmussen earned $5.5 million this year on a two-year, $8.5 million deal he signed in January 2025 to avoid arbitration. His 2027 option jumped from $8 million to $20 million because he stayed healthy all season and made at least 28 starts.

A career year

Rasmussen, 31, went 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA in 30 starts. He helped Tampa Bay win the AL East and threw a career-high 172 innings.

He was 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA in five playoff starts as the Rays won their third pennant. In the Division Series opener he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the New York Yankees and struck out 10 in a 1-0 win.

The World Series was tougher. Rasmussen started Game 5 against Milwaukee on three days' rest and took the loss as the Brewers won 4-1 to clinch their first title.

Durable after three elbow surgeries

His health is what makes the season stand out. Rasmussen has had three major elbow operations, including Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and 2017 and an internal brace procedure in 2023.

He is 46-22 with a 2.83 ERA over seven seasons with Milwaukee and Tampa Bay.

On Friday the Rays declined mutual options on starter Nick Martinez and outfielder Cedric Mullins.