Drew Rasmussen, the unsung hero of the Tampa Bay Rays, is quietly making a case for himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. While his name may not be a household name, his performance on the mound speaks for itself. With a 2.71 ERA in 2026, Rasmussen is 11th among qualified starters, and his FanGraphs' WAR is tied for 16th best among all pitchers. What's more fascinating is the fact that he's achieved this success despite a history of injuries and surgeries. Rasmussen has undergone three elbow surgeries, yet he's consistently delivered elite performances when healthy. His ability to excel despite these setbacks is a testament to his resilience and determination. One of the key factors in Rasmussen's success is his reliance on fastballs. Since 2022, he's thrown a combination of four-seamers, sinkers, and cutters more than 70% of the time, with the four-seamer being his bread-and-butter pitch. This approach has proven to be highly effective, as he's struck out 181 batters via fastballs since 2025, second only to Garrett Crochet. Rasmussen's fastball breakdown is fascinating, with each pitch generating great results. His four-seamer sits at around 96 mph and features above-average Induced Vertical Break, making it one of the most effective four-seamers thrown by any starter. The cutter, meanwhile, is his most utilized pitch this season, and the sinker has been devastating, especially this season. Rasmussen's ability to command these pitches at will is a testament to his skill and precision. In conclusion, Drew Rasmussen is a pitcher who deserves more recognition for his outstanding performances. His ability to excel despite injuries and his reliance on fastballs make him a force to be reckoned with on the mound. As he continues to pitch, he's sure to make a name for himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball.
