From Tampa Bay Rays On SI · · 1m 50s
Rays right to cut ties with Mullins
Tampa Bay declines mutual option on underperforming center fielder despite solid defense.
In brief
Tampa Bay declines mutual option on underperforming center fielder despite solid defense. The Rays are making the correct move by parting ways with Cedric Mullins, whose offensive struggles outweigh his elite defensive value. Originally reported by Tampa Bay Rays On SI.
Rays clinch postseason first
Tampa Bay became the first MLB team to secure a playoff spot with a 90-59 record, leading the AL East by 3.5 games over the Yankees.
Yankees series will decide division
A four-game matchup between Tampa Bay and New York next week will likely determine the AL East champion. The Rays need just one win for the tiebreaker.
Mullins signed to stabilize outfield
Center fielder Cedric Mullins joined the Rays on a one-year free agent deal to shore up an outfield that struggled badly in 2025.
Mullins falls short of expectations
The veteran has underperformed across most offensive categories, prompting ESPN insider Jeff Passan to report the Rays will decline his mutual option.
Power and speed still solid
Mullins is on pace for his sixth straight season with 15+ home runs and 19+ stolen bases, showing consistency in that skill set.
Offensive numbers hit career low
His OPS+ of 75 is the lowest of his career, with a minus-12 Batting Run Value in the eighth percentile. Only his strikeout discipline ranks above average.
“His OPS+ of 75, which would be the lowest of his career”
Defense remains elite
Mullins bounced back defensively in 2026 with a Fielding Run Value of plus-9 in the 89th percentile and Range of plus-11 in the 96th percentile.
Declining option is correct move
Despite defensive value, the Rays have enough outfielders on the roster and rising prospects ready to compete for playing time in 2027.
Young prospects ready to replace
Jacob Melton and Theo Gillen are two rising prospects the Rays will monitor as potential replacements for Mullins on the 2027 roster.
The takeaway
The Rays are making the correct move by parting ways with Cedric Mullins, whose offensive struggles outweigh his elite defensive value.
