With the Baltimore Orioles off to a rough start in 2025, speculation is mounting about whether the team will make moves to turn the season around. Baltimore Sun reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer suggested that if the Orioles fall out of playoff contention, they may consider trading center fielder Cedric Mullins. He described the team’s front office as calculated and strategic, and wouldn’t be surprised by any decisions made if a postseason run seems unlikely.
When asked if the team might deal Mullins before the trade deadline, Meyer said yes. He referenced 2022, when the Orioles were just two games back in the wild card race but still chose to trade away Trey Mancini and Jorge Lopez. That year, they finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs. Meyer also cited the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 campaign—despite mid-season trades, the D-backs made the postseason and reached the World Series. Given that context, Meyer believes a Mullins trade would be in line with the Orioles’ past decisions.
Former Orioles player Ryan Ripken weighed in on the idea, noting the team is in a state of uncertainty. He questioned whether now is the right time to decide on trading or extending players, acquiring prospects, or rebuilding, arguing it’s too early in the season for such calls.
Cedric Mullins remains a fan favorite in Baltimore, even though he hasn’t quite matched his breakout 2021 numbers, when he hit .291 with a .518 slugging percentage and a .878 OPS. Despite battling injuries and occasional slumps, Mullins continues to give full effort and contribute however he can. Ripken believes trading him would be a misstep, as he embodies the type of player the Orioles should use to shape their identity.
There’s strong support for keeping Mullins. He’s endured the highs and lows of being a pro, including a tough 2023 season affected by injuries, but has bounced back as a reliable presence. Beyond his on-field performance, Mullins serves as a mentor to younger players and provides veteran leadership. He’s a dependable center fielder and a clutch performer—someone the Orioles could continue to build around rather than let go.
