Drew Rasmussen Bio
Drew Thomas Rasmussen is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. Rasmussen made his major league debut in 2020 with the Milwaukee Brewers and established himself as a frontline starter with the Rays, earning his first All-Star selection in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Drew Thomas Rasmussen was born July 27, 1995. He attended Mt. Spokane High School in Mead, Washington, and continued his development at Oregon State University, where he pitched for the Oregon State Beavers.
As a freshman at Oregon State, Rasmussen threw a perfect game on March 21, 2015, a first in program history. He was previously selected in the 39th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and was selected 31st overall in the 2017 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays but did not sign that year.
Path to Baseball
Rasmussen underwent his second Tommy John surgery in September 2017, which forced him to miss the 2018 season. Despite that setback, the Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, and he began his professional career the following year.
In 2019 Rasmussen progressed through three minor-league levels, appearing for the Single–A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, High–A Carolina Mudcats, and Double–A Biloxi Shuckers. Across 27 games (23 starts) in 2019 he posted a 3.15 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings while gaining experience that prepared him for a major league call-up the next season.
Drew Rasmussen Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Rasmussen was added to a major-league roster for the first time on August 13, 2020, and made his MLB debut on August 19, 2020, with the Milwaukee Brewers against the Minnesota Twins, throwing two scoreless innings. In his debut campaign he appeared in 12 games and recorded 21 strikeouts.
Rasmussen began the 2021 season with the Brewers out of the bullpen. Over 15 appearances for Milwaukee that year he registered a 4.24 ERA with 25 strikeouts and recorded one save before being involved in a midseason trade.
Tampa Bay Rays Breakthrough (2021–Present)
On May 21, 2021, the Milwaukee Brewers traded Rasmussen and J. P. Feyereisen to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Willy Adames and Trevor Richards. Rasmussen settled into a larger role with the Rays that season, making 20 appearances, including 10 starts, and going 4–0 with a 2.44 ERA and 48 strikeouts down the stretch.
Rasmussen’s 2022 season marked a definitive step forward. On August 14, 2022, he carried a perfect game into the ninth inning before losing it late, and he was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for August after registering a 1.57 ERA in that span. He finished 2022 with 28 starts, an 11–7 record, a 2.84 ERA, and 125 strikeouts over 146.0 innings.
In 2023 Rasmussen began the year in the Rays’ rotation but was placed on the 60-day injured list in May after a flexor strain in his forearm. He underwent an internal brace procedure in July and missed the remainder of that season. Rasmussen began 2024 on the 60-day injured list as he continued his recovery, was activated on August 7, 2024, and made 16 appearances (4 starts) with a 2.83 ERA across 28 2/3 innings.
On January 6, 2025, Rasmussen and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a two-year contract reportedly worth $8.5 million. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2025, being named to the American League roster on July 11 as a replacement. Rasmussen was named the Rays’ Opening Day starter in 2026.
Pitching Style and Strengths
When healthy, Rasmussen has shown the ability to miss bats and generate high strikeout totals while maintaining strong command. His track record across starts and relief stints demonstrates an ability to transition between roles and provide length in outings, traits valued by the Rays’ pitching staff.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Rasmussen’s career include the perfect-game bid for Oregon State in 2015, two Tommy John surgeries with a return to the professional ranks, his major league debut in 2020, the May 2021 trade to Tampa Bay, the eight perfect innings in August 2022, his American League Pitcher of the Month award that same month, a 2025 All-Star selection, and being named the Rays’ 2026 Opening Day starter.
Drew Rasmussen Career Wins
Through June 28, 2026, Rasmussen’s major-league record stood at 37–21 with a 2.82 earned run average and 522 strikeouts, reflecting his production as a starter and a strikeout contributor for the Rays during his time in Tampa Bay.
Major League Highlights
Rasmussen’s first major-league action came in 2020 with the Milwaukee Brewers, and his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays has featured his most substantial results. The 2022 season stands out as a breakout year, when he logged double-digit wins, posted a sub-3.00 ERA, and finished with 125 strikeouts in 146.0 innings pitched.
Other Wins & Perfromances
Before reaching the majors, Rasmussen’s 2019 minor-league campaign was a significant developmental year. He combined for a 3.15 ERA across three levels and recorded 96 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings, establishing the foundation for his promotion to the major-league roster in 2020.
Drew Rasmussen Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Public records and team materials do not detail a multi-generational baseball lineage. Rasmussen’s progression is notable for its college achievements and recovery from injury rather than for a documented family baseball pedigree.
Personal Life
Rasmussen married his wife, Stevie, in 2020. The couple welcomed their first child in September 2022 and a second child in April 2026. Rasmussen maintains a low public profile off the field while continuing his professional career with the Rays.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a defining campaign for Rasmussen. He avoided arbitration by signing a two-year deal in January and was recognized with his first All-Star selection in July, reflecting his contributions to the Rays’ rotation and his value as a dependable starter when healthy.
Rasmussen’s 2025 All-Star nod underscored a season in which he combined strikeout ability with consistent run prevention. The contract and recognition positioned him as an integral part of the Rays’ pitching plans heading into 2026.