Drew Rasmussen, the unsung hero of the baseball world, is a pitcher who has quietly risen to the top of the game. With a 2.71 ERA in 2026, he's not just a Cy Young Award contender but also one of the best pitchers in the MLB. His journey to this point has been remarkable, marked by resilience, a unique pitching approach, and consistent excellence.
The Healthy Hero
Rasmussen's success is deeply intertwined with his health. Despite undergoing three elbow surgeries, he's managed to maintain an ERA below three in each season since 2021. His ability to stay on the mound, even after such significant injuries, is a testament to his determination and skill. In 2025, he threw a career-high 150 innings, showcasing his endurance and consistency.
The Three-Fastball Approach
Rasmussen's pitching strategy is centered around a three-fastball approach, a modern trend in baseball. He relies heavily on his four-seamer, sinker, and cutter, throwing them over 70% of the time since 2022. This approach has proven highly effective, with his fastballs generating impressive results.
- Four-Seamer: His go-to pitch, sitting at around 96 mph, features above-average Induced Vertical Break (IVB), making it one of the most effective four-seamers in the game. It's no wonder it's his most-used pitch, with 32.4% usage and 75 strikeouts since 2025.
- Cutter: Rasmussen's most utilized pitch this season, the cutter is a 90 mph offering that he commands with precision. It's particularly effective against both-handed hitters, as he routinely commands it low and glove-side.
- Sinker: This pitch has been devastating, especially this season. With 16.1 inches of horizontal break and a velocity of 95.5 mph, opposing hitters are batting a mere .123 with a .169 SLG against it.
Rasmussen's success with these fastballs is further evidenced by his strikeout numbers. Since 2025, he's struck out 181 batters via fastballs, second only to Garrett Crochet's 183. This consistency in generating strikeouts is a hallmark of an elite pitcher.
The All-Star Candidate
Rasmussen's performance has not gone unnoticed. He's on track to make his second straight All-Star Game this summer, a testament to his overall excellence. His 2.71 ERA ranks 11th among qualified starters, and his FanGraphs' WAR is tied for 16th best among all pitchers. With his ability to miss bats and control walks, Rasmussen is a well-rounded pitcher who excels in multiple aspects of the game.
As Rasmussen continues to pitch, he'll look to solidify his place among the best pitchers in baseball. On Tuesday in Los Angeles, he'll face the mighty Dodgers, providing an opportunity to showcase his skills against a formidable opponent. Rasmussen's journey from an unsung hero to a potential Cy Young Award winner is a fascinating narrative, one that baseball fans should be paying close attention to.
