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Rasmussen Could Be Rangers’ Dream Rotation Addition for 2027
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- Rasmussen Could Be Rangers’ Dream Rotation Addition for 2027
(© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images)
Only a few years ago, teams throughout MLB were studying how the Texas Rangers captured the 2023 World Series. The Rangers have since returned to taking notes themselves.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers have been playing in the World Series since Friday. It is an unusual matchup between two small market teams while MLB owners and the MLB Players Association fight over the financial future of the sport.
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As those sides attempt to divide billions of dollars, Tampa Bay and Milwaukee are pursuing the first World Series title in their respective franchise histories.
Rangers follow blueprint to success
The Rangers should pay close attention. President of baseball operations Chris Young wants his roster to become younger and more athletic, which likely means making it less expensive.
The Rays and Brewers built winning teams despite operating with limited budgets. That approach also means neither organization can retain every player indefinitely.
Neither team has many players entering free agency after the season. However, one Rays starter could become an ideal addition to Texas if he becomes available (the Rays have a $20 million club option for 2027).
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Suggesting that Drew Rasmussen would fit the Rangers does not require much imagination because he would improve numerous rotations.
Rasmussen has been one of MLB's leading starters during the past two seasons.
He earned 16 wins for Tampa Bay during the regular season, made his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance and has not posted an ERA above 3.00 since his 2020 rookie season with Milwaukee.
Tommy John surgery was the only development that significantly slowed Rasmussen, taking away portions of his 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The right-hander went 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 172 innings over 30 starts this season, recording 174 strikeouts against 32 walks.
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Rasmussen is 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 24.2 innings over four postseason starts, recording 27 strikeouts against five walks.
Tarik Skubal will dominate the free agent market, but Rasmussen will also receive a substantial contract.
The question is how the Rangers could create enough financial flexibility to pursue him.
One scenario would involve Young trading two significant contracts, potentially those belonging to Corey Seager and Nathan Eovaldi . Those moves could create enough room to sign Rasmussen while leaving Texas with additional money.
That possibility is probably a pipe dream, but Rasmussen is talented enough to make it worth exploring.
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How Rasmussen can help Rangers
Rasmussen's command would immediately bring stability to the Rangers' rotation.
Rasmussen attacks hitters without issuing unnecessary walks, works deep enough into games to protect the bullpen and has demonstrated that major surgery did not prevent him from returning to an elite level.
He also offers the composure required to lead a rotation with postseason ambitions. Texas would need to make difficult financial decisions, but Rasmussen could become the type of dependable starter around whom Young reshapes the pitching staff .
