Free-agent outfielder Cedric Mullins agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million deal with a mutual option with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Mullins will receive $7 million in base salary in 2026. The mutual option is worth $10 million and comes with a $500,000 buyout.
Mullins, 31, was an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2021 but has seen his stats decrease in ensuing seasons.
Mullins hit .216 with 17 home runs and 59 RBIs in 133 games last season while splitting time with the Orioles and New York Mets. He was traded to New York at the trade deadline and batted just .182 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 42 games with the Mets.
In his big 2021 season, Mullins hit .291 with 30 homers and 30 steals. He said on a conference call that he’s ready to make the necessary changes to recapture that form.
“I think my determination to come in, make (the) adjustments needed to continue to better myself as a player was something that Tampa Bay was in full agreement with,” Mullins said. “I think they’re definitely able to help me in that department.”
Overall, Mullins has a .247 average with 103 homers, 337 RBIs and 147 stolen bases in 826 career games. He reached the majors with the Orioles in 2018 and hit 101 of his homers for Baltimore.
Tampa Bay designated minor league right-hander Yoniel Curet for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot for Mullins.
