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Cedric Mullins Enters Free Agency After Rays Decline 2027 Contract Option
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- Cedric Mullins Enters Free Agency After Rays Decline 2027 Contract Option
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Tampa Bay Rays will have several important decisions to make this offseason following their World Series appearance, including what to do with some of their veteran players.
And one of those decisions has already been made.
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According to MLB.com, Tampa Bay has declined Cedric Mullins' $10 million mutual option for the 2027 season, making the veteran outfielder a free agent.
The Rays will pay Mullins a $500,000 buyout after he earned $7 million during the 2026 season.
While the decision wasn't particularly surprising, Mullins did provide Tampa Bay with some important contributions throughout the year.
Especially when it came to his defense.
The 32-year-old appeared in 137 games during the regular season, including 122 starts in center field.
Mullins provided the Rays with a reliable defensive presence, helping improve their outfield while also contributing on the basepaths.
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However, his offensive production was disappointing.
Mullins finished the regular season batting just .205 with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases.
He also recorded a .284 on-base percentage and .628 OPS across 502 plate appearances.
And while his defense certainly helped Tampa Bay throughout the season, those offensive struggles eventually impacted his role with the organization.
Especially during the postseason.
Mullins lost his starting position in center field to Jonny DeLuca, appearing in just six postseason games.
However, he did make the most of his limited opportunities.
The veteran finished the postseason with two hits in five at-bats, including a home run, while also scoring three runs and stealing a base.
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Unfortunately, those contributions weren't enough to earn him a larger role during Tampa Bay's run to the World Series.
And with Mullins now entering free agency, the Rays will need to determine whether bringing him back makes sense.
There are certainly reasons to consider a reunion.
Mullins provides reliable defense, speed, and another experienced left-handed bat who could contribute off the bench.
However, Tampa Bay already has several younger outfielders expected to compete for playing time next season.
Chandler Simpson, Victor Mesa Jr. and DeLuca should all have opportunities to contribute, while Jacob Melton provides another potential option.
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And with Theo Gillen continuing to develop throughout the organization, the Rays could have even more depth moving forward.
That makes it difficult to justify spending significant money to bring Mullins back.
Especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Tampa Bay's starting rotation, with Nick Martine z and Freddy Peralta entering free agency.
The Rays will likely need to prioritize their pitching staff before making additional investments elsewhere on the roster.
However, if Mullins is willing to return on a considerably smaller contract, bringing him back as a fourth outfielder could make sense.
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He already understands the organization and demonstrated he can provide value defensively.
But with Tampa Bay's younger options and other roster needs, it seems more likely that Mullins will continue his career elsewhere.
And while his offensive production wasn't what the Rays hoped for, Mullins still deserves credit for helping Tampa Bay reach its third World Series in franchise history.
