Rays Decline Mutual Option On Cedric Mullins

The Rays announced that they have declined mutual options on right-hander Nick Martinez and outfielder Cedric Mullins. Both are now free agents. It was reported earlier that Martinez had turned down his end of his option.

It has been over a decade since a mutual option was triggered by both sides. They are mainly put into contracts as de facto deferrals. The buyout isn’t paid until the end of the season, allowing the team to delay some the guaranteed money in the deal. The Rays signed Mullins to a one-year deal last offseason. The $7.5MM guarantee was broken down as a $7MM salary and then a $500K buyout on a $10MM mutual option.

It was a buy-low move for the Rays. Mullins had some good seasons with the Orioles but was coming off a down year in 2025. He hit 17 home runs and had a 10% walk rate but slashed .216/.299/.391 for a wRC+ of 94. His .253 batting average on balls in play was below average, perhaps leaving room for positive regression.

His 2026 with the Rays was a mixed bag. His defensive numbers were strong but his offense got worse. His BABIP slid even farther to .227. His walk rate dropped to 8.6% and his homer total dropped to 15. He ended the year with a .205/.284/.344 line and 76 wRC+.

It wasn’t a great platform season but Mullins was good in the field. He was credited with six Defensive Runs Saved, 11 Outs Above Average and a grade of 10 from Fielding Run Value. The free agent market for center fielders is pretty weak, so Mullins will still be one of the better options available.

Tampa is now left with Jonny DeLuca as their primary center fielder. Jacob Melton, acquired in the Brandon Lowe trade, could push DeLuca for playing time if he’s healthy. Melton was limited by injuries in 2026 and only played 50 games.