The Opener: Brown, Giants, Qualifying Offers

The AL champion Rays made their most consequential decision of the young offseason yesterday, picking up their $20MM club option on right-hander Drew Rasmussen . The ace is nonetheless expected to be traded and ranks No. 2 on MLBTR’s Top 40 Trade Candidates list. In addition to Rasmussen, the Rays declined a mutual option on Cedric Mullins , finalized Yandy Diaz ’s contract, and saw Nick Martinez decline his end of his mutual option. Their only remaining option is a $3.1MM club option on shortstop Taylor Walls . 1.