You would think a team both having a new owner and getting to the World Series would mean that they would be willing to spend to keep the good times rolling. However, when that team is the Rays, the odds are extremely good that even a Fall Classic run won't be enough to get them to change their ways anytime soon, and that could play right into the Atlanta Braves' hands this offseason.
While the Braves would ideally add an everyday shortstop this offseason, their need for starting pitching is much easier to solve in this offseason market. There aren't many quality starters, but the pool is certainly a deeper group than the available bats.
For the most part, free-agent starters will be the names that are the focus of the Braves' rumor mill, and one hopes Atlanta at least brings back Tyler Mahle after his successful stint with the team. However, if free agency doesn't provide the answers the Braves are looking for, they should take a long look at potentially trading for Drew Rasmussen, who is apparently among the most prominent trade candidates this offseason.
If Drew Rasmussen is actually available in trade, the Braves would be foolish to avoid the bidding
Rasmussen would check a lot of boxes for the Braves. At $20 million for 2027, Rasmussen wouldn't require a significant long-term investment, and his AAV is pretty reasonable when compared to the going rate for quality starting pitchers. It doesn't hurt that Rasmussen has been a mortal lock to post a sub-3 ERA on the mound every season. In 2026, he posted arguably his best season yet with a 2.67 ERA and 174 strikeouts against just 32 walks in 172 innings of work.
If there is one red flag, it is Rasmussen's injury history. Not only does he already have two Tommy John surgeries on his arm during his college days, but he also needed an internal brace procedure on his elbow in 2023. However, the Rays just exercised his 2027 club option heading into the offseason, and he is a free agent after that. Assuming the worst-case scenario where Rasmussen gets hurt, Atlanta would still only be on the hook for one year at $20 million. Considering the potential upside, that is a risk worth taking.
Of course, it takes two to tango, and the Rays' asking price matters a lot. While Tampa may not be looking to be a top-10 payroll even with their playoff run, they aren't going to give Rasmussen away while their team is championship-caliber. That likely means that even as a rental, the Rays are going to want talent back in any trade that can help their big league club soon.
Is that price worth it for Rasmussen? Honestly, that depends on the names involved. If the Rays are willing to take a decent support player at Triple-A and maybe a better prospect that is further away, that could very well be worth it. After all, frontline starters are few and far between, and they are never cheap. Rasmussen may be a rental and would come with some injury risk, but you have to take a chance sometimes, and he would check a major box for the Braves this offseason heading into 2027.
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