With the MLB trade deadline approaching in two weeks, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to make moves. While their starting rotation is one of the best in baseball, they’re not likely to pursue a starting pitcher. In the National League East, they’re holding onto a narrow division lead, but the race is tightening, especially with the New York Mets in hot pursuit.
The Phillies’ main areas of focus at the deadline are strengthening their bullpen and acquiring an outfielder capable of adding some power. In this trade scenario, Philadelphia acquires a former All-Star center fielder.
In a potential blockbuster move, the Baltimore Orioles trade center fielder Cedric Mullins to the Philadelphia Phillies. Mullins has been a fixture in trade rumors all season, and the trade deadline might finally be when he moves. For Philadelphia, this deal would address the ongoing center field issue they’ve faced in recent years. At 30 years old, Mullins is an outstanding defender and offers power at the plate, with 13 home runs and 14 doubles this season, boosting his slugging percentage above .400.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand considers Mullins a key trade target to watch as the deadline nears.
“Mullins was an All-Star in his breakout 2021 season, and while he hasn’t been able to replicate that performance over the past three years, the 30-year-old has remained above league average at the plate each season while excelling defensively. Mullins is earning $8.725 million in his final year before free agency, and with the Orioles carrying a 43-52 record and -90 run differential, Baltimore could look to get a return for Mullins rather than watching him walk via free agency.”
With Mullins being a free agent as seasons end, this is the perfect opportunity for the Orioles to get a young talent in exchange for Mullins. The Phillies have World Series aspirations, and despite Mullins’ low average around .220, there wouldn’t be much pressure on him as other prominent hitters in that lineup can pick up the slack. Baltimore has had a disastrous season thus far, and they likely want to turn the page and move on from this season, and get whatever assets they can from this deadline.
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