Cedric Mullins and Nick Martinez Options Declined by Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays declined their 2027 mutual options for veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins and pitcher Nick Martinez, paying Mullins a $500K buyout. Mullins struggled offensively in 2026, hitting .205/.284/.344 with 15 home runs and 21 stolen bases, producing the lowest OBP among qualifying Rays players. Despite his poor bat, he provided 1.1 fWAR and elite defense in center field, accumulating 11 Outs Above Average to rank fourth among qualified outfielders.