The Rays announced they had declined mutual options on the right-hander Nick Martinez and outfielder Cedric Mullins. Both are now free agents. It was earlier reported that Martinez declined his portion of his option.
It has been more than a decade since a mutual option was triggered by both parties. They are mainly included in contracts in the form of deferrals. The buyout isn’t paid until the end of the season, allowing the team to delay some of the guaranteed money in the deal. The Rays signed Mullins to a one-year contract last offseason. The $7.5 million guarantee was broken down into a $7 million salary and then a $500,000 buyout on a $10 million mutual option.
It was a cheap buy decision for the Rays. Mullins had good seasons with the Orioles, but was coming off a rough 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 mixed. His defensive numbers were solid but his offense got worse. His BABIP slipped even further to .227. His walk rate dropped to 8.6% and his home run total to 15. He finished the year with a .205/.284/.344 line and 76 wRC+.
It wasn’t a great platform season, but Mullins was good on the ground. He was credited with six defensive runs saved, 11 putouts above average and a 10 Fielding Run Value rating. The free agent market for center fielders is quite weak, so Mullins will always be one of the best options available.
All that remains in Tampa is Johnny DeLuca as the main central defender. Jacob Meltonacquired in the Brandon Lowe trade, could push DeLuca to earn playing time if he’s healthy. Melton was limited by injuries in 2026 and only played 50 games.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Lee, Imagn Images
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