The New York Mets are reportedly considering acquiring Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline, aiming to strengthen their centerfield position. The Mets, leading the National League East with a 62-44 record, seek to upgrade from their current Tyrone Taylor and Jeff McNeil platoon, while the Orioles, struggling at 47-58 in last place in the American League East, appear ready to sell assets.
Relationship Between Mets and Orioles General Managers Could Fuel Trade Discussions
The possibility of a second trade between the teams is supported by the connection between Mets GM David Stearns and Orioles GM Mike Elias. The two executives formerly collaborated within the Houston Astros organization, with Elias succeeding Stearns as assistant GM when Stearns left to join the Milwaukee Brewers. This established relationship could smooth negotiations ahead of the deadline.
Mock Trade Scenario: What the Mets and Orioles Could Exchange
In a hypothetical deal, the Mets would receive outfielder Cedric Mullins, while the Orioles would collect two Mets prospects: No. 21-ranked outfielder Eli Serrano III and No. 29-ranked pitcher Dom Hamel. This potential trade mirrors the Mets’ previous exchange with Baltimore, where they traded prospects Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster for pitcher Gregory Soto.
Mullins fits the Mets’ need for added offense and speed, having recorded 14 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases across 88 games this season. Although his batting average and on-base percentage are slightly down compared to prior years, he remains on pace for a career-high in RBIs and near his top home run total.
Comparing Mullins with Current Mets Options in Centerfield
Evaluating Mullins against Jeff McNeil, offensive benefits are mixed: McNeil boasts a higher batting average (.252) and on-base percentage (.352), but he is not a true centerfielder and lacks the power and speed that Mullins provides. Against Tyrone Taylor, Mullins is clearly the superior hitter, although Taylor may offer better defensive value. The Mets must decide if Mullins’ offensive upside justifies replacing part of the current platoon.
Profiles of Prospects in Proposed Trade Package
Eli Serrano III, a 22-year-old left-handed hitting prospect, is having his first full minor league season with the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones. He has posted seven home runs and 37 RBIs with a .231 batting average and a strong .347 on-base percentage. Serrano also contributed to North Carolina State’s run to the College World Series, highlighting his potential.
Dom Hamel, 26, is a versatile pitcher currently with Triple-A. Used as both a starter and reliever, Hamel carries a 4.38 ERA through 51.1 innings. His mixed role makes it uncertain how Baltimore might deploy him, but he could find a bullpen opportunity if traded.
Fantasy Baseball Implications of a Mullins Acquisition
For fantasy baseball managers, Mullins may not be a consistent everyday centerfielder with the Mets, limiting his value even in deeper leagues. It seems likely the Mets would continue mixing McNeil and Taylor in the lineup, with Mullins serving as a role player or bench option for the remainder of the season.
Significance of the Trade and What’s Next
If the Mets complete a trade for Cedric Mullins, it would underline their commitment to bolstering their roster for a postseason run, adding both speed and power potential in centerfield. For the Orioles, acquiring promising prospects like Serrano and Hamel aligns with their rebuilding strategy as sellers before the deadline. This move could have noticeable effects on both teams’ future and competitive outlooks as the trade deadline approaches.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Cedric Mullins have a baby?
A. In 2024, Mother’s Day meant something special for the Orioles’ center fielder. Mullins’ wife, Erika, became a mom in December 2023 with the birth of their first child, a daughter named Maliah. Mullins, now 30, and Erika are discovering the challenges that come with being parents.
Q. Was Cedric Mullins an all-star?
A. Mullins achieved a Silver Slugger award in 2021. He also made the All-Star team, stole 30 bases, and hit 30 home runs. This marked a successful return for the long-time Baltimore outfielder. That year, Mullins proved himself as a valuable baseball player and improved the Orioles’ performance.