Drew Rasmussen just absolutely SHUT DOWN the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS, dealing them a gut-wrenching 1-0 loss. The guy pitched a complete gem, blanking them for pretty much eight innings and surrendering only one measly hit. If you ever wondered how the Rays landed a pitcher like this, buckle up, because this trade history is a wild ride.
The Trade That Had Everyone Talking
It’s wild to think Rasmussen, now a Rays ace, didn’t even start his career in Tampa Bay. He was grinding in the NL Central with Milwaukee! But back in May 2021, everything changed. The Rays snagged Rasmussen and reliever J.P. Feyereisen in a deal that sent shortstop Willy Adames and pitcher Trevor Richards to the Brewers. From Milwaukee’s side, it felt like a smart move at the time. They had a rotation stacked with Grade-A talent, including their 2021 NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes. What they really needed was a consistent bat at shortstop, and Adames looked like the answer, crushing it with an .886 OPS and 137 OPS+ in his first 99 games there.
Rasmussen: From Prospect to Postseason Ace
But man, did the Rays hit the jackpot with Rasmussen. They didn’t have to wait long for him to become a star. His first full year as a Rays starter in 2022? A nasty 2.86 ERA. And it just kept getting better. He’s stacked up two All-Star berths already and in 2026, he posted the best WHIP in the entire league. We’re talking about a dude who could legitimately land some down-ballot AL Cy Young votes this year. And then he goes out and absolutely dominates on the biggest stage, an ALDS opener against the damn Yankees. Eight innings, zero earned runs, just two walks. That’s clutch.
The Other Side of the Deal: Adames and Richards
So, how did Adames and Richards fare after the trade? Adames definitely balled out for the Brewers. He even pulled in some NL MVP votes in 2024, smacking 107 homers and 348 RBIs with a 112 OPS+ across 548 games. After 2024, he hit free agency and landed a massive seven-year, $182 million deal with the Giants. He had a decent 2025, but 2026 has been a bit tougher, with some injuries, for a Giants team that limped to a 65-97 record. Richards, on the other hand, shifted to a bullpen role for Milwaukee but didn’t stick around long, getting traded to the Blue Jays in July 2021. Now 33, he’s basically a journeyman, bouncing around nine teams in 13 seasons. This year, he’s with the White Sox, putting up a 3.78 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 78.2 innings.
Looking at Rasmussen’s performance, especially under the ALDS lights, it’s clear the Rays made out like bandits in that 2021 deal. With Game 1 in the books, the Rays have to be feeling good heading into Game 2 against their bitter rivals. What a start to their postseason.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply