Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Cedric Mullins has been named the team’s nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, the honor that recognizes character, community involvement and philanthropy. The announcement lands on Roberto Clemente Day, which marks the Hall of Famer who died in a 1972 plane crash while delivering supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
Mullins brings something personal to the role. He lives with Crohn’s disease, and his charity work centers on nonprofits and children facing serious illnesses. “It’s super cool,” Mullins said of the nomination. “I’ve been seeing guys over the years being honored with this award. I’ve been striving for it for years.” He also spoke about what Clemente means to the Latin American community and said he feels proud to be connected to that legacy.
The recognition arrives during a strong stretch for the Rays, who are postseason bound and still chasing the 2026 A.L. East title. Fans across the Suncoast get a feel-good story to go with a pennant race, and a reminder that the best moments in baseball aren’t always on the scoreboard. Who’s the most community-minded athlete you’ve seen come through the Rays organization?
