Drew Rasmussen: A Fantasy Baseball Sleeper You Can't Afford to Miss

Alright, fantasy baseball enthusiasts, let's talk about a name that's been making waves but might still be under your radar: Drew Rasmussen. This guy is a sleeper you don't want to miss out on, so let's dive in and see what all the buzz is about. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and drew rasmussen fantasy.

Who is Drew Rasmussen?

Before we get into why Rasmussen is a fantasy baseball gem, let's meet the man himself. Drew Rasmussen is a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Standing at 6'1" and weighing in at 200 lbs, Rasmussen might not be the biggest guy on the mound, but he sure knows how to make an impact.

Rasmussen was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1st round of the 2018 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 2020 and was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021. Now, let's talk about why you should be keeping an eye on this young gun.

Why Rasmussen is a Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

Electric Stuff

Rasmussen's fastball sits in the mid-90s and can touch triple digits. That's right, folks, we're talking about some serious heat. But it's not just the velocity that's got fantasy managers drooling – it's the movement. Rasmussen's fastball has some serious bite to it, with a high spin rate that generates a ton of swinging strikes.

The Breaking Ball

Rasmussen's go-to breaking pitch is a slider that's been clocked as high as 90 mph. It's a true wipeout pitch, with late, sharp break that's given batters fits. In 2021, Rasmussen's slider had a whiff rate of over 40%, making it one of the most effective sliders in baseball.

The Changeup

While Rasmussen's fastball and slider are what really get the job done, he also mixes in a changeup that's been improving over time. It's not a pitch he leans on heavily, but when he does, it's effective. And with a changeup that can reach the mid-80s, it's a weapon that can keep hitters off balance.

The Numbers

Now, let's talk about the numbers. In 2021, Rasmussen appeared in 26 games (all in relief) and posted a 3.52 ERA. He struck out 37 batters in just 27.1 innings, good for a K/9 of 12.2. That's right, folks, over a strikeout per inning. And with a WHIP of 1.13, Rasmussen was clearly getting it done.

Why Rasmussen Could Be a Fantasy Goldmine in 2022

The Opportunity

With the Rays' pitching staff in flux, there's a chance Rasmussen could see some starts in 2022. And if he does, watch out. Rasmussen has shown in the past that he can be effective as a starter, and with his electric stuff, he could be a real force on the mound.

The Upside

Even if Rasmussen doesn't get a chance to start, his relief role could be a fantasy goldmine. With his high strikeout potential and the ability to pick up holds and saves, Rasmussen could be a real asset in the later rounds of your fantasy draft.

The Price

Here's the best part: Rasmussen is still flying under the radar in many fantasy leagues. While some sharper owners might be onto him, there's a good chance you can snag Rasmussen in the later rounds of your draft. And if you can get a guy with high strikeout potential and save potential at that price, you're doing something right.

The Risk

Now, let's talk about the risk. Rasmussen is still young and unproven as a full-time major league pitcher. He's had some injury issues in the past, and there's always the chance that he could struggle with consistency or command. But with his electric stuff and the opportunity in front of him, we think the risk is worth it.

How to Draft Rasmussen

If you're convinced (and we hope you are), here's how we suggest drafting Rasmussen. First, do your homework. See where other owners have him ranked and where he's going in mock drafts. Then, target him in the later rounds – think 15th round or later in a 12-team league.

When you do draft him, make sure you're in a league that rewards strikeouts and holds. Rasmussen's value is going to come from his ability to miss bats and pick up those valuable holds. And if he gets a chance to close, well, that's just icing on the cake.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks. Drew Rasmussen is a fantasy baseball sleeper you can't afford to miss. With his electric stuff, high strikeout potential, and the opportunity in front of him, Rasmussen could be a real game-changer in 2022. So do your homework, target him in the later rounds, and get ready to reap the benefits of this fantasy baseball gem. Happy drafting!