Cedric Mullins. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Adding Cedric Mullins gives the Rays a deep outfield

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 7:46 PM ET

After finishing fourth in the American League East for the second straight season, the Tampa Bay Rays (77-85) needed to rethink their strategy if they were to compete with the rest of the AL East.

Beginning the realignment of their roster, the Rays are set to sign former foe centerfielder Cedric Mullins, who spent the first seven and a half seasons of his career with the Baltimore Orioles before being traded to the New York Mets at last season's trade deadline.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Mullins has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rays that’s pending a physical, and will likely be in the mix, and if not start, in centerfield.

Mullins is coming off one of the worst years in his career, batting .216 with an OPS of .690 in 133 games, so he'll be hoping that going back to the familiar stomping ground of the AL East, he’ll bounce back to being an All-Star, like he was in 2021.

#Rays are in agreement with OF Cedric Mullins on a 1-year deal, pending a physical
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) December 3, 2025

The Rays have a deep outfield with Cedric Mullins and Chandler Simpson

The Rays had the ninth-best batting average (.259) for centerfielders in baseball last season, using Simpson (59 games), Everson Pereira (20 games, and now with the Chicago White Sox), and Jake Mangum (32 games) as their go-to centerfielders.

Simpson, 25, had a fantastic rookie season, playing in 109 games and batting .295 with an OPS of .671, and stole 44 bases (tied for second) while being caught 12 times (led the league). This epic rookie campaign should have given Simpson the first shot at playing every day in centerfield. However, with them signing Mullins to play every day to build his trade value and Simpson playing 52 games in left field, he'll likely play every day there.

Both are known for their speed and defense in the outfield, so having Mullins and Simpson covering two-thirds of their outfield gives them one of the better outfields in the game.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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