# Rays right to cut ties with Mullins

> Tampa Bay declines mutual option on underperforming center fielder despite solid defense.
- Title: Rays right to cut ties with Mullins · Tampa Bay Rays On SI
- Summary: Tampa Bay declines mutual option on underperforming center fielder despite solid defense. The Rays are making the correct move by parting ways with Cedric…
- Keywords: tampa bay rays, cedric mullins, mutual option declined, free agency, center field, 2026 mlb season, american league east, offensive struggles, defensive value, prospect replacement, sports, Rays
- Source: Tampa Bay Rays On SI — https://si.com/mlb/rays/onsi/rays-correctly-predicted-to-decline-mutual-option-with-veteran
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tampa bay rays, cedric mullins, mutual option declined, free agency, center field, 2026 mlb season, american league east, offensive struggles, defensive value, prospect replacement, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The Rays are making the correct move by parting ways with Cedric Mullins, whose offensive struggles outweigh his elite defensive value.