Rays Sign Cedric Mullins to One-Year $7M Deal

Cedric Mullins, a former American League All-Star outfielder, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, returning him to the AL East division after a disappointing stint with the New York Mets in 2025. The deal, first reported Wednesday by the Tampa Bay Times, aims to address the Rays' needs in center field heading into the 2026 season.

Multiple sources confirmed the agreement, with details emerging that the pact is worth $7 million. Mullins, 31, became a free agent following the Mets' elimination from postseason contention. The Rays, who open their 2026 schedule on March 26 against the St. Louis Cardinals, view the signing as a short-term solution to stabilize their outfield. Mullins is set to face his former Baltimore Orioles team on May 18 when they visit Tampa Bay.

Mullins spent the first seven and a half seasons of his career with the Orioles, debuting in 2018 after being selected in the 13th round of the draft from Campbell University. He quickly established himself as a dynamic center fielder, known for his speed, baserunning and defensive prowess. In 2021, his breakout year, Mullins became the first Oriole to achieve a 30-30 season with 30 home runs and...