Since falling short in the 2022 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies have worked relentlessly to reclaim their spot among MLB’s elite. They’ve consistently remained contenders, but playoff heartbreak has kept them from returning to the Fall Classic. Now, with several core players approaching free agency, the pressure is mounting for the team to make a serious push in what could be one of their final opportunities.
Currently sitting at 25-18 and trailing the division-leading New York Mets by just 2.5 games, the Phillies are off to a strong start in 2025. But improvements are still needed, particularly in center field.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles have endured a rough season, stumbling to a 15-26 record and falling to the bottom of the AL East. With the playoffs slipping out of reach, many believe the Orioles could become sellers at the trade deadline.
On MLB Central, insider Jon Morosi highlighted Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins as a potential trade piece. “He’s exactly the type of player who can make a huge difference at the deadline,” Morosi said. He pointed to the Phillies and the Texas Rangers as logical fits, adding, “There are very few teams where he wouldn’t be a valuable addition.”
Mullins, who won a Silver Slugger in 2021 and was an MVP finalist that year, has remained a steady contributor. In 2025, he’s slashing .230/.335/.446 with a .781 OPS and continues to shine defensively, ranking in the 77th percentile for Outs Above Average.
The Phillies could benefit greatly from his presence, especially given the underwhelming performance of Brandon Marsh. Injuries and struggles at the plate have limited Marsh, whose .547 OPS and 53 OPS+ suggest a sharp decline from his previous seasons.
With the Mets dominating and the Braves rebounding to a .500 record, the Phillies have little margin for error. If they want to stay in the race and chase another World Series berth, making a move for a proven talent like Mullins might be essential. For the Orioles, dealing a veteran pending free agent could offer a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season.
