The Tampa Bay Rays declined their half of a mutual option on outfielder Cedric Mullins on Friday, two days after their season ended with a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the World Series.
Mullins, 32, will receive a $500,000 buyout and return to free agency. The Rays also declined a mutual option on pitcher Nick Martinez the same day.
The former All-Star signed a one-year, $7 million deal for 2026 that included either the buyout or a $10 million option for 2027. The move was widely expected after a down offensive year.
Mullins hit .205 with a .284 on-base percentage and .344 slugging percentage across 137 games. That produced a .628 OPS, 15 home runs, 48 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.
He saw limited action in the postseason, going 2-for-5 with a home run in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Defense remained a strength. Mullins was credited with six Defensive Runs Saved and 11 Outs Above Average in center field.
His peak came in 2021 with the Baltimore Orioles, when he hit .291 with 30 home runs, 30 steals and an .878 OPS while earning an All-Star nod and Silver Slugger Award.
The 30-home run season is unlikely to return at this stage of his career. Many evaluators see him as a better fit in a lefty-righty platoon role than as an everyday starter.
Tampa Bay’s outfield is already stocked with younger options including Chandler Simpson, Johnny DeLuca and Victor Mesa Jr. That group contributed on both sides of the ball during the club’s run to its third World Series appearance.
The Rays finished the regular season 98-64 to win the American League East for the first time since 2021. They swept the New York Yankees in the Division Series and beat the Guardians in six games before falling to Milwaukee.
Mutual options are rarely exercised by both sides. They typically function as salary deferrals that delay buyout payments until after the season ends.
Mullins becomes a free agent for the second straight winter. The market for left-handed hitting outfielders is considered thin, which could create opportunities despite questions about his bat.
Teams seeking defensive help in center or a platoon piece may still show interest. His ability to contribute on the bases and in the field remains a plus even as his offensive numbers have declined.
The Rays face several other free-agent decisions this offseason after their unexpected postseason run. Martinez, who started Game 1 of the World Series, is also now available.
Mullins’ 2026 line marked a clear step back from his Orioles peak. Whether he can regain enough production to land a meaningful role will define his next contract.
Tampa Bay’s young outfield depth and the club’s overall roster construction suggest the team is comfortable moving forward without him. The buyout closes the book on his one-year stay.
