Part 2 with Jim Williams!

The Locked on Rays crew continues its in-depth conversation with Jim Williams – who, as a 7-time Emmy Award winning sports television producer, director and executive – continues to deliver fascinating insights into the intersection of media, MLB, and the business of sports.

He explores potential MLB expansion cities, the evolving dynamics of Rays ownership, and how regional and national television deals play a role in keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay. We also get Jim's take on the Rays playing at Steinbrenner Field in 2025, and how that environment impacts fans, players, and media alike.

Tune in for Jim's perspective on the future of baseball in Tampa Bay and beyond. This is part two of a two-part interview.

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The Locked on Rays crew is joined by Jim Williams, a media powerhouse with 45 years of experience and seven Emmy Awards to his name as sports television producer, director & television executive.

Jim has produced or directed over 3,000 live events across a diverse range of sports, including MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, boxing, tennis, golf, and college sports. Jim shares his journey growing up in Tampa Bay and breaking into the sports media world.

He dives into challenges MLB faces with franchise relocation, and why expansion to 32 teams could shape the league's future. Jim also provides unique insights into the Rays' stadium saga and the importance of Rob Manfred’s behind-the-scenes involvement in working to keep the team in Tampa Bay. (Note: This is part one of a two-part interview.)

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Rays and Drew Rasmussen strike a deal that could reach $28 million. This multi-year deal with a team option for 2027, which buys out his first Free Agent year, comes with a $500,000 signing bonus and is guaranteed for approximately $8 million.

-The righty who made his MLB debut in 2020 is expected to return as a starter this season after he returned last August from third elbow surgery.

-The deal guarantees Rasmussen $8.5 million but could be worth up to $28 million. He gets a $500,000 signing bonus, $2 million for 2025, $5.5 million for $2026 and a team option for 2027 for $8 million. (The option comes with escalators based on health and innings pitched that could push the total to as much as $20 million; the buyout is $500,000.)

-Rasmussen was one of six Rays remaining in the arbitration process, facing a Thursday 1 p.m. deadline to agree to terms or head to a hearing. …The other five are pitchers Zack Littell, Shane Baz, Garrett Cleavinger; infielder Taylor Walls; catcher Ben Rortvedt.

-In 44 starts with the Rays since the Willy Adames trade in 2021, Drew has a record of 18-9 with a 2.57 ERA, and a combination of 195 strikeouts and 48 walks over 227 2/3 innings.

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

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#RaysUp #LockedOnRays #RaysBaseball #TampaBayRays #ChampaBay #TeamTampaBay #TBRays #MLBPodcast

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FanDuel

The NFL Playoffs are almost here, but it’s not too late to get in on the regular season action with FanDuel because right now, new customers can finish the season strong with TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)