Rays Sign Cedric Mullins to One-Year Contract
The Tampa Bay Rays have finalized a one-year deal with outfielder Cedric Mullins, valued at $7 million, as reported by Marc Topkin from El-Balad. This signing is significant as Mullins aims to revitalize his career following a challenging 2025 season.
Cedric Mullins: A Summary of His Career
At 31 years old, Cedric Mullins has established himself primarily with the Baltimore Orioles, showcasing skills as a center fielder known for power, speed, and defensive prowess. However, his performance dipped notably in 2025, marking the worst year of his major league career.
2021 Breakout Season
- Home Runs: 30
- Stolen Bases: 30
- Batting Average: .291
- On-base Percentage: .360
- Slugging Percentage: .518
- wRC+: 136
- Wins Above Replacement (WAR): 6
Mullins enjoyed a standout season in 2021, earning accolades for his all-around performance. Since then, however, his statistics have fluctuated, landing him among the middle ranks of outfielders in terms of production.
Challenges in Recent Seasons
In subsequent seasons (2022 to 2024), Mullins maintained a reasonable level of play, averaging around 15 to 18 home runs per year. His stolen bases hovered near 30, showcasing his speed despite an injury-limited 2023 season where he recorded only 19 steals in 116 games.
Over the past three years, he posted a slash line of .244/.311/.407, contributing 7.7 fWAR, which demonstrates his consistent utility despite not reaching his 2021 heights. 2025 started well for Mullins, but a severe decline in performance after April limited his effectiveness.
2025 Season Overview
- April Stats: 6 home runs, .278/.412/.515 line, 163 wRC+
- Final Stats: .216/.299/.391, 94 wRC+
A mid-season trade to the Mets failed to rejuvenate his performance, leaving him with overall disappointing stats by season’s end. His defensive capabilities have also seemed to decline, as seen in his Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) figures, reflecting a drop from previous years.
2026 Season Outlook for the Rays
The Rays now face decisions regarding their 40-man roster to accommodate Mullins. He is expected to claim a central role in the outfield as the team hopes he can regain his previous form. The Rays struggled with inconsistent outfield production last season, using multiple players in varying capacities.
With a payroll estimation of $77 million for the 2026 season, the Rays may not pursue high-profile free agents. Instead, Mullins represents a strategic move to enhance their outfield without significant financial commitment. He may also provide mentorship to younger players vying for corner outfield positions.
As the Rays aim for improvement, Cedric Mullins stands as a key figure in their 2026 plans. His return to form could be critical for the team’s competitive aspirations in the upcoming season.
