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Cedric Mullins lands 1-year deal with Rays
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- Cedric Mullins lands 1-year deal with Rays
The post Cedric Mullins lands 1-year deal with Rays appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Tampa Bay Rays have made another signature low-risk, high-reward move, agreeing to a one-year deal with Cedric Mullins as they look to get back into the postseason after missing the playoffs for a second straight year. Mullins arrives after spending nearly his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles , where he debuted in 2018 and became an All-Star during his historic 30-home run, 30-stolen base season in 2021. His 2025 campaign started with the Orioles before a midseason trade to the New York Mets , setting up a challenging year that he now aims to rebound from in Tampa Bay .
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Mullins, 31-years-old, hit just .216 with 17 home runs and 22 stolen bases last year but remains one of baseball's elite defensive outfielders. His +4 Outs Above Average ranked among the best in the league, giving the Rays an instant upgrade in center. For a team that thrives on efficiency, adding Mullins on a short-term deal perfectly fits the organization's MLB free agency approach, offering minimal risk with major upside.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), crediting The Tampa Bay Times' Mark Tompkin for first breaking the news, and shared the following.
"Source confirms: Cedric Mullins to Rays on one-year deal, pending physical. First: @TBTimes_Rays"
The move deepens Tampa Bay's outfield depth, already featuring Josh Lowe , Jonny DeLuca , and Jake Fraley . Mullins will need to earn regular playing time in Spring Training, but his speed and glove could make him a difference-maker in late-game situations.
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If the Rays can unlock the version of Mullins who hit 30 home runs and stole 30 bases in 2021, the deal could look like another front-office masterstroke, giving the Rays a valuable spark in a crowded outfield and elevating their lineup depth immediately.
Related: MLB rumors: Brandon Lowe named 'ideal fit' for Pirates trade
