Rays decline mutual options for Nick Martinez and Cedric Mullins, both veterans become free agents

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rays have declined mutual options on two veteran starters, right-hander Nick Martinez and center fielder Cedric Mullins, a decision that makes both players free agents, the club announced Friday. The move, which came “as expected” according to the team’s release and contract context provided, completes a key offseason change for a roster that is already expected to shift its pitching and outfield planning heading into the next season.

Martinez, 36, was under a contract that included a $20 million mutual option for next year. Instead of agreeing to that additional season, the Rays declined the option and paid a $4 million buyout. For the 2026 season, Martinez earned $9 million as part of a deal he signed in February, and the Rays’ decision now places him on the free-agent market.

The Rays’ option decision also reflects the broader contract mechanism at play with mutual options, which by design require agreement from both the club and player and are therefore rarely exercised by both sides. In practical terms, the Rays are reducing future salary commitments by moving on rather than carrying an additional year at the option value if the parties did not reach alignment.

In the postseason, Martinez made four appearances, including three starts, and allowed five runs over 16 innings. Over the regular season, he went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA across 31 starts and 180 innings, numbers that help explain why Tampa Bay moved toward a path in which the club and Martinez could each weigh their next step rather than continue under the mutual-option structure.

Martinez is also tied to Tampa Bay’s clubhouse culture during a surprising run this season. Manager Kevin Cash described him as the central figure in that team identity after Game 5 of the World Series, when Martinez warmed up for a relief appearance that never came. Cash said the club spoke “to it all season long” and called Martinez “the rock of our clubhouse.” Cash also referenced “El Presidente” and described Martinez’s role in “orchestrating” team gatherings, including dinners, conversations, and card games, adding that the Rays were “a better team when Nick was on the mound” because of the support he received from teammates.

Martinez’s public comments following Game 5 emphasized that it was too early to say where he would play next. He also expressed appreciation for his time in Tampa Bay, saying late Wednesday night that “I love it here,” and indicating the situation would unfold as negotiations and decisions proceed.

For Mullins, the Rays declined a $10 million mutual option for 2027 that included a $500,000 buyout. Mullins earned $7 million with Tampa Bay this season after signing with the team last December, and the Rays’ decision likewise removes his remaining contractual path and makes him a free agent.

Mullins appeared in 137 games and finished with 502 plate appearances. He started 122 games in center field and played a role in the team’s outfield defensive adjustments during the season, with the Rays tracking improvements in his routes and jumps while maintaining the ability to make “highlight-reel” plays.

At the plate, Mullins’ season production in the Rays’ 2026 campaign included a .205 batting average and a .628 OPS, along with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. In the postseason, the Rays used Mullins primarily as a bench option, deploying him in six appearances; the source notes he produced a home run and recorded a stolen base during those playoff outings, but he also “essentially lost his job” to Jonny DeLuca for the postseason role the team needed most.

With Mullins now expected to be off the roster, the Rays’ outfield plan for next season will likely build around internal options and returning players. The source indicates that Tampa Bay figures to use Jonny DeLuca in center, with Jacob Melton also identified as an in-house option. The team also has top outfield prospect Theo Gillen available as a longer-range possibility.

The Rays are also expected to retain several familiar pieces in the outfield. Chandler Simpson is set to return in left field, Victor Mesa Jr. is projected to remain in right, and outfielder Ryan Vilade is also listed as part of the group Tampa Bay is prepared to bring back.

Beyond Martinez and Mullins, Tampa Bay still has remaining club-option decisions to handle before Monday. The most pressing item on the docket is Drew Rasmussen’s $20 million option, which would represent the highest single-season salary the Rays have previously paid to a player if exercised. The Rays must also decide on a $3.1 million club option for shortstop Taylor Walls, with the understanding that he will remain under team control regardless of whether the club picks up that option.

Taken together, the Rays’ two mutual-option declines shift both of their decisions away from carrying veteran salaries into 2027 and open the door for Tampa Bay to re-shape its starting pitching and center-field depth through free agency and internal roster moves. For Martinez and Mullins, Friday’s decision concludes their time with Tampa Bay under those contractual terms and starts their next chapter on the free-agent market.