Taylor Walls and the Tampa Bay Rays have finalized a one-year contract worth $1.4 million, successfully avoiding arbitration. The agreement includes a base salary of $1.35 million for the current season and a $2.45 million option for 2026, which could increase to $2.5 million if Walls garners 450 plate appearances in 2025. Initially, Walls sought a raise to $1.575 million while the Rays countered with an offer of $1.3 million. Last season, Walls, 28, struggled offensively, hitting .183 with one home run and 14 RBIs, though he managed to steal 16 bases. Over his four-year career with the Rays, he has a .188 batting average, accumulating 18 home runs and 98 RBIs.

The Tampa Bay Rays and infielder Taylor Walls have reached an impasse in salary negotiations, leading to an arbitration hearing as the deadline looms. Walls submitted a salary request of $1.575 million, while the Rays countered with an offer of $1.3 million, aligning closely with pre-offseason projections.

Despite struggling offensively, Walls cites his defensive prowess as a key reason for the higher salary request. With a solid defensive record, including a 1.4 WAR and a defensive WAR of 1.7 in 2024, his value as a defense-first player is evident. As a Gold Glove finalist in 2023, he has accumulated significant defensive runs saved throughout his career.

Drew Rasmussen has finalized a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays worth $8.5 million, successfully avoiding salary arbitration. The contract includes an option that could increase the total value to $28 million across three years. The agreement was announced by Rasmussen’s agency, Beverly Hills Sports Council, just days ahead of the scheduled arbitration discussions.

The 29-year-old right-hander underwent a third elbow surgery in July 2023 but made a swift return to the mound on August 7. During his brief stint following recovery, he recorded a 2.82 ERA with a 0-2 record in four starts and 12 relief appearances, showcasing his ability with a 97.4 mph four-seam fastball.

Throughout his five-year career, Rasmussen boasts a 20-12 record with a 2.95 ERA over 50 starts and 44 relief appearances, primarily with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Rays. He will remain under contract with the Rays until at least the end of the 2026 season, provided the option is not exercised. Meanwhile, several other Rays players are still in arbitration, including Shane Baz and Zack Littell.

Drew Rasmussen has secured his future with the Tampa Bay Rays, reaching a two-year, $8.5 million deal that could escalate to $28 million over three seasons. The contract features a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries set at $2 million for the first year and $5.5 million in 2026.

The deal includes an $8 million option for 2027, which comes with a $500,000 buyout. This option carries potential escalators based on Rasmussen's health and performance, adding a layer of incentive for both the player and the team.