Drew Rasmussen, the unsung hero of the baseball world, is a pitcher who has quietly risen to the top of the game. Despite flying under the radar, he boasts an impressive 2.62 ERA since 2021, outshining many established stars. His recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, with a 2.71 ERA in 2026, ranking him 11th among qualified starters. Rasmussen's ability to consistently deliver strong performances, even after multiple elbow surgeries, is truly remarkable. He has never posted an ERA above three in a season, and his 2.76 ERA in 2023 resulted in his first All-Star selection. This season, he has been even more dominant, striking out a career-high 13 batters while issuing just one walk in seven scoreless innings. His success is further evidenced by his 3.29 expected ERA and 3.25 FIP, which are remarkably close to his actual career 2.87 ERA. Rasmussen's pitching arsenal relies heavily on fastballs, with a four-seamer, cutter, and sinker making up over 70% of his pitches since 2022. His four-seamer, in particular, is one of the most effective in the game, with above-average Induced Vertical Break and a velocity of around 96 mph. The cutter, his most utilized pitch this season, is thrown with precision against both-handed hitters, while the sinker has been devastating, especially this season, with a horizontal break that results in a .123 batting average against. Rasmussen's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the strategic use of his pitching repertoire. As he continues to excel, he is poised to make his second straight All-Star Game appearance and solidify his place as one of baseball's best pitchers.
