After falling short in the 2022 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies have gone all-in to return to championship contention. They’ve become a consistent playoff team, but postseason success has remained elusive. With several key players approaching free agency, the team is feeling pressure to win now.
Philadelphia is off to a solid start this season, sitting at 25-18 and just a few games behind the first-place New York Mets in the NL East. However, they’re looking to make upgrades — especially in center field — to maximize what could be one of their final shots at a title with this core group.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles are enduring a rough season. With a disappointing 15-26 record, they’re in last place in the AL East and may become sellers at the trade deadline.
One name that could be on the move is veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins. MLB insider Jon Morosi suggested on MLB Central that Mullins is exactly the type of player who could make a major impact for a contender.
“When you think about deadline difference-makers, Cedric Mullins fits that mold perfectly,” Morosi said. He named both the Phillies and the Rangers as ideal landing spots, emphasizing how valuable Mullins would be to nearly any team.
Despite Baltimore’s struggles, Mullins has been a steady presence in their lineup. He’s currently batting .230 with a .335 on-base percentage and a .781 OPS. He remains strong defensively too, ranking in the 77th percentile for Outs Above Average.
Mullins’ best season came in 2021, when he hit 30 home runs and was a top-10 MVP finisher. That level of production is something the Phillies desperately need, particularly in center field.
Current Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh has underperformed, posting a .547 OPS and missing time with injuries. After two strong seasons, he’s now trending toward a negative WAR.
With the Mets surging and the Braves bouncing back to a .500 record, the Phillies can’t afford to fall behind. If they want to capitalize on their championship window, targeting a dynamic, two-way player like Mullins at the deadline could be a game-changing move.
For the Orioles, moving Mullins — who’s set to hit free agency — might be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing year.
