Rays' player union rep says initial positions are ‘different arguments'

As the Rays' player union rep, Drew Rasmussen knows more than most players - and most interested parties - about the negotiations between owners and players that started with last week's exchange of initial proposals, with significantly different platforms.

What he doesn't know, if the talks carry as expected deep into the offseason and likely threaten at least the planned start if not potentially all of the 2027 season, is whether common sense will prevail.

"I think the game of baseball as a whole is in a really, really good spot right now," Rasmussen said Friday. "So to take a step back because of stubbornness would be a mistake. I do think both sides do want to get a deal in place as quickly as possible. I can't guarantee you Dec. 1 (when the current agreement expires) will be the day it'll be in place, but I do think to do anything to take away from where the game is at today, I don't think it's in either party's favor."

The owners, as expected, pitched their initial plan for a hard salary cap to shrink the disparity between small-market teams like the Rays and the big boys (a $245.3 million limit, with a $171.2 million floor) with some changes to revenue distribution. The union's initial proposal, per reports, stuck with the current plan but included a soft floor ($150 million, plus $23 million in benefits), different definitions for revenue sharing and increased player pay.

"It's interesting that one side is arguing to further the system that's been in place for forever, and the other side is arguing to move to a completely different system altogether," Rasmussen said. "I don't have a whole lot of negotiating experience, so I don't really know how to bridge a gap when you're not participating in the same argument. It'll be interesting, that's for sure."

A basic issue will be the union's opposition to any kind of cap.

"The premise that a salary cap is good for competition. I disagree with that," Rasmussen said, noting extended runs of success for teams in capped leagues, such as the Lightning and Panthers in the NHL, the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James' teams in the NBA, and the Patriots and Chiefs in the NFL. "I just think there's a history in the sports that have salary caps that that's just not true."

Overall, Rasmussen reiterated, "the sport's in a really good spot, so it would just be a bummer more than anything to shoot ourselves in the foot."

Medical matters: Sulser, Williamson, Walls

Reliever Cole Sulser was reinstated from the injured list after a two-week stint as the result of a lower back strain, with Hunter Bigge optioned to Triple A to make room.

"It is really good to have him back. He was doing some good things," manager Kevin Cash said of Sulser, who allowed three hits before getting the final out in the top of the ninth inning of Saturday's 14-3 loss to the Angels.

Bigge, whose latest rough outing Friday hiked his ERA to 6.98 over 18 games, needs to regain command, Cash said.

"This will do him well. He's a big part of our team, of our bullpen," Cash said. "We need to get him right. The delivery was out of sync, and he couldn't throw strikes at the clip that he needs to."

Infielders Ben Williamson, who was struck on the left elbow by a pitch Friday and left the game; and Taylor Walls, who tested his previously tight left hamstring playing the ninth inning Friday; both returned to full duty Saturday.

Williamson said he didn't think at the time there was a fracture, but issues with pronation and supination, and some shaking, led to the decision to leave the game and get X-rays, which were negative.

"It's still a little swollen," he said, "but it feels better."

Summertime fun

As part of their "Best Summer Ever at Tropicana Field" programming, the Rays are offering a Summer Family Pack that includes a game ticket and a combo meal (hot dog, chips, Coca-Cola product) starting at $27 a person (minimum two tickets), plus a parking pass for the group. A new activity allows kids 14 and under to go on the field roughly 35 minutes before first pitch at Monday through Saturday home games; a free badge can be picked up at the Rays Rookies alcove near Gate 1.

• • •

Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.

Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.

Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X and Facebook.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 4:33 PM.